Next week we begin the first round of the 2011 MCAS testing season. Standardized testing certainly provides us one measure of the success of schools, but it doesn’t give us data on the more difficult to measure but arguably more important social emotional and interpersonal skill development. For that we need to look to other data points, ones that don’t fit so easily into a graph. This week many of us received an email from the Essex Elementary School that is evidence that as a community we are succeeding in developing empathetic citizens of the world:
UGLY TIE DAY FUNDRAISER TO HELP VICTIMS OF JAPAN
Savannah R., a grade four student, has asked that we contribute in some way to help the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. The school’s Student Council came up with the "Ugly Tie Day" fundraiser for this Friday.
On Thursday, March 17th, during all lunches, students will be able to "purchase" an ugly tie of their choosing. Ties can be purchased for a $1.00 donation (buy more than one, if you want!). The donations collected will go to a charity geared to the victims of the Japanese disaster.
Children will pick a tie at lunch recess. Ties will then be worn the next day, Friday March 18th, for the day. Please consider donating to this cause. A big thank you goes to Savannah for her enthusiastic efforts to help our friends in Japan.
It is comforting to know that our rigorous curriculum is not only producing students who can achieve on paper and pencil tests but also developing students who embody our mission and demonstrate compassion for others.
If you are looking for resources to help your child better understand the ongoing events in Japan visit the New York Times – Learning Network.
