BC News

BC students step up to help Haiti
Release Date: January 20, 2010

BC students aren't much for sitting idly by when they could help others in need. So, it is no surprise that in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12, several student-led efforts are underway in the district to raise money for disaster relief efforts in the impoverished island nation.

At Hamagrael, Principal Dave Ksanznak received a letter from students in Ms. Schade’s third grade class requesting permission to set up a coin drive in the front hallway of the school to raise money for the American Red Cross's efforts in Haiti. The coin drive began on January 19 and will last two weeks.

A coin drive is also underway at Elsmere, where the School Spirit Club initiated the effort. The club's goal is $100, which Principal Kate Kloss said she hopes they will quickly exceed.

"I am proud that our students have initiated this endeavor," said Mrs. Kloss, whose brother was in Haiti up until two days before the earthquake and reported a great need there even before the latest disaster struck.

At Glenmont, students and families will dance the night away for Haiti relief efforts on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 4. Coming off the school's Building Community through Dance program, the school has scheduled a "Swing for Haiti" dance fundraiser from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. that evening. Families are invited to pay $10 to spend an hour swing dancing together at the school; the money collected will support American Red Cross earthquake relief efforts.

"The devastation in Haiti is overwhelming. We, as a school community, would like to do something to help," Principal Laura Heffernan wrote to Glenmont parents. "Even better, we'd like to do something that will be meaningful to our children and not too taxing on our families whom we recognize may already be financially stretched. Please consider joining us."

At Eagle, all proceeds from the annual "Eagle Has Heart" Valentine's Day sale will benefit the Haitian people. Paper hearts can be purchased for $1 and dedicated to a friend, family member, group, etc. and displayed in the front lobby. The sale will run from February 1 through February 15.

At Clarksville, Mrs. O'Shea's fifth grade class is also involved in raising money to benefit disaster relief. The class currently supports "Nothing But Nets," a United Nations-affiliated organization dedicated to eradicating malaria. Upon news of the earthquake, Nothing But Nets indicated to its partners that their support could be shifted to benefit Haiti, which Mrs. O'Shea's class was all for. The class is raising money and awareness throughout the building.

"I am very proud of our students and staff for stepping up on behalf of Haitians, who are very much in need right now," Superintendent Michael Tebbano said. "These types of action demonstrate the remarkable character of our BC community."

 

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