Country School Takes Part in National September 11 Day of Service & Remembrance
Country School students in Grades 1-9 participated in the National Day of Service and Remembrance on Friday, Sept. 11 in a variety of age-appropriate ways.
"While many of you may not remember Sept. 11th, 2001, this date has been chosen as a national date to remember those who were lost on that day and to honor the heroes," said Head of School Dr. Robert P. Macrae who began the morning with a flag raising ceremony. "It is also a day to reflect on the values that we honor here at Country School such as kindness, resilience, compassion and empathy."
Middle and Upper School students heard about resilience from Chris Waddell, 13-time Paralympic medalist and the first paraplegic to summit Mt. Kiliminajaro, nearly unassisted. He is the founder of the One Revolution Foundation and the "Nametags" Educational Program.
"It’s not what happens to you. It’s what you do with what happens to you," emphasized Mr. Waddell who does not focus on disability, but rather the universal experience of challenge and the power of resilience. During his program, Mr. Waddell pushed students to challenge their assumptions and the limitations that result from labels we give ourselves and to others.
After the presentation, students returned to their classrooms to reflect on Mr. Waddell’s message of empowerment. Upper School students were asked to seal their most authentic nametags in an envelope to be placed in safe keeping with their advisors for future dialogue midway through the school year.
Middle School students discussed quotes from historic or iconic figures that represented positivity, resilience and kindness. They also talked about the importance of classroom culture and how to promote positive behavior. Middle School will revisit their quotes later in the year, as they construct three "safe space" benches in their woodworking class – one for Grade 5, one for Grade 6 and one to donate to a local non-profit. These special all-weather benches will be adorned with positive messages and quotes to invite a safe space for meaningful discussions with peers and adults.
The Lower School revisited parts of last year’s service dog program. Students welcomed back Officer Macchia of Greenwich and Tyro, his now retired service dog, and heard about how their daily routine has changed. Officer Macchia learned about the Lower School’s Service Learning projects, which raised awareness and funds for service dogs after his visit last year. The close friendship between Officer Macchia and Tyro was highlighted as an example of meaningful relationships between humans and non-human animals. Students made medallions representing their non-human friends that will mark their locations throughout campus.
"Chris’s presentation and Officer Macchia’s visit provided an important way to mark this day in our nation’s history," said Director of Community Development Lynn Sullivan. "By fostering healthy relationships and taking the time to reflect, remember and appreciate our community, we got off to a beautiful start of the school year.” Sullivan also said that the event tied in to the theme of T.I.M.E. (Together In Meaningful Experiences), which is the Office of Community Development’s centennial-related theme for the 2015-2016 school year.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
