FRANK H. HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL

February 4, 2020
 
Dear HMS Families,
 
We are excited about our upcoming Spirit Week celebration, which will begin on Monday, February 10.
 
Please take a few minutes to review the purpose for this week, along with the schedule and recipient of our school-wide fundraiser.
 
1. Spirit Week gives us a chance to come together as a school with the goal of supporting a group/organization in need of assistance. This helps our students to internalize the essential lessons learned from community service. Our Student Leadership Team, with the guidance of Bob Gross, Student Leadership advisor, chooses the recipient for this fundraiser. This year they have chosen the Rainforest Trust.
 
From the Rainforest Trust Website;
 
OUR APPROACH
Rainforest Trust purchases and protects the most threatened tropical forests, saving endangered wildlife through partnerships and community engagement. Through these highly effective partnerships, we can ensure sustainable results necessary for the long-term protection of tropical ecosystems and the wildlife they hold.
 
HOW WE DO IT
Our unique, cost-effective conservation model for protecting endangered species has been implemented successfully for over 30 years. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the expertise of our partners and the participation of local communities across the tropics, our reserves are exemplary models of international conservation.
 
We will be collecting donations throughout Spirit Week. Donations will be tabulated by grade level.  Our fundraising goal during Spirit Week is $1000. One of Rainforest Trust’s current projects is to protect rainforests in Liberia.  Every $2.32 raised will protect one acre. If we raise $1000 we can help protect over 430 acres. We are asking each student to raid their piggy bank or a family change jar in order to donate $1 to $3 dollars.  If each student donates $2, we will easily reach our goal. 
 
2. Spirit Week encourages our students to use their artistic, innovative ideas and skills to transform our hallways from the everyday corridors of HMS to different and interesting places around our country or world. The students are in charge of this part of the celebration, which provides important opportunities for student voice, choice and empowerment. These grade level projects provide students with the chance to explore the creative process, collaborate and have fun in the process.
 
The Student Leadership Team chose a variety of projects across the globe as the focus for decorations on their classroom doors.  Here is the list of the countries for each grade:
8th - Brazil
7th - Australia
6th - Ivory Coast
5th -  Liberia
 
The Spirit Week daily dress themes include:
Monday - Clipper Spirit - Clipper Gear or blue and white
Tuesday - Flannel shirts and PJ Bottoms
Wednesday - Wacky Wednesday 
Thursday - Dress alike or look like your favorite person/character
Friday - Wear one color day (all green, all blue, etc.)
 
All Spirit Week clothing choices need to adhere to the HMS Dress Code  : )
 
3. Spirit Week is a time to show off our school spirit, dress up, PLAY, and change up our daily routine a bit! Research tells us that Play Isn't Just for PreSchoolers-Teenagers Need it Too, and confirms the many benefits to learning when students are given time to dream, create, and play.
 
Our thanks to members of our Student Leadership team and Bob Gross for their thoughtful take and hard work on this year’s Spirit Week!
 
Thanks very much,
 
Joan Adler and Tom McDowell
HMS Administrative Team