The Poppy Project

THE POPPY PROJECT

The “Poppy Project” is the service learning and veteran’s awareness unit of study at Jenks East Elementary School. It has creatively connected thousands of East Elementary, Jenks High School Vocal Music, Theater, ROTC students and community patrons with veterans. This unique partnership between school and community began in 2001 and was originally funded by JPS Foundation. The Poppy Project has included the following components:

1. “In Flanders Fields:” This famous poem, a tribute to veterans worldwide and written by Dr. John McCrae during WWI, serves as a language arts background for the unit of study. 2. “Home of the Brave” Veterans Day Concert: Hundreds of veterans receive mailed invitations and are honored at the highly attended annual concert performed by 350 East Elementary 4th graders, Jenks High School Vocal Music, Theater and ROTC students. 3. Freedom Box Campaign: East Elementary students and staff, collect needed items and send holiday boxes to our troops with assistance from Oklahoma Blue Star Mothers. 4. “Valentines for Vets:” Hand-made student Valentines are mailed to our ongoing veterans database, compiled by students, staff & patrons. 5. Poppy Field: 2001-2010 East Elementary students, assisted by Jenks High School Horticulture students, planted a poppy in the flagpole commons area. “Honoring Our Heroes” is a marble monument next to the flagpole, donated by patrons in 2001. 6. “Pennies for Patriots:” East Elementary students, staff and patrons collected $3,543.50 for the WWII monument in Washington, DC in 2001. 7. “Visiting Vets:” Veterans bring Restored Vintage Military Vehicles and Myers Military Memorabilia to Jenks East and serve as docents for our students.

Over 20,000 Jenks Public School students, grades 1-12, have learned the historical significance and importance of service to our heroes: the men and women of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines & Navy. Thousands of veterans have received honor and tribute at our annual Home of the Brave concerts, or by receiving Freedom Boxes or a handmade Valentines.

The red corn poppy is the international symbol for veterans. Little did we realize the timing implications for the integrated unit of study when we began in the spring of the 2001, two months prior to the bombing of the Twin Towers in New York. “The Poppy Project” has remained a vital component of Jenks East since that historic premier year when America’s patriotism was at an all-time high following the events of September 11, 2001. Veterans of Foreign Wars “Buddy Poppy,” handmade by a disabled veteran, are distributed and worn on by all East Elementary students and staff on Veterans Day.

The project began when Mrs. Felty attended her father’s WWII battleship reunion in the spring of 2001. The crew survived the bombing of a kamikaze plane on the USS Ommaney Bay Aircraft Carrier (CVE-79) in 1945. 95 sailors gave their lives for the cause of freedom. “Teach your students about this great country and instill patriotism,” one shipmate admonished her after discovering she was a teacher. She was compelled to fulfill that Navy veteran’s wish in a meaningful way with her students. There is no greater way to teach positive character habits of respect, perseverance, courage and honesty than through the modeling of an honored veteran who has helped preserve freedom. Mrs. Felty is a National Board Certified Music Specialist at Jenks East Elementary School.

THANK A VETERAN!