SAN CLEMENTE, CA, February 05, 2010
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Earthquake relief efforts to help victims in Haiti are receiving much needed support, thanks to a little ingenuity and selfless giving by students--and their families--at Marblehead Elementary.
On January 12, a massive earthquake struck the tiny island nation of Haiti, creating forceful waves of havoc and mass destruction. With painful images on television, in newspapers and online, Marblehead Elementary teachers and parents were faced with the difficult challenge of explaining such tragedy to young minds. As part of an effort to provide a sense of empowerment and selflessness among students while helping those desperately in need, Marblehead Elementary--in partnership with the Marblehead PTA and Student Council--launched an innovative initiative that raised hundreds of dollars in critical funds.
The "Helping Hands for Haiti" program gave Marblehead Elementary students the opportunity to buy pencils for 50 cents each during their lunch hour. On the first day of the program, students raced to line up, and the pencils quickly sold out during the very first recess. Building on the program's success, Helping Hands for for Haiti was extended to a second day, and once again exceeded fundraising expectations. Individual donations were collected as well.
"As a Character Counts! school, we take pride in the fact that our students once again exemplified the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship," says Jacqueline Campbell, Principal of Marblehead Elementary. "This fundraiser--which was driven by our Student Council and PTA, and passionately supported by the students themselves--represents just one initiative we are undertaking this year to help improve the lives and opportunities of those around us."
In total, Marblehead Elementary students raised more than $500 through pencil sales and donations. Every student who bought a pencil or donated funds had their name placed on a "helping hand." These hands are now on display inside the main office of Marblehead Elementary as a proud reminder of the students' accomplishments.
On Friday, February 5 at 7:45 am, the press is invited to attend a very special Aloha Ceremony where these funds will be presented to the American Red Cross. The entire school will be in attendance to reflect on and celebrate their collective accomplishment, and be inspired to continue on this path of charitable giving. A Marblehead parent, Mike Goudchaux, recently returned from a search and rescue mission to Haiti. His efforts and accomplishments--including saving the life of a Hatian school teacher pulled from the rubble of a demolished school--continue to inspire the students and families of Marblehead Elementary. The check will be presented to the American Red Cross by our Marblehead Elementary Goudchaux family.
About Marblehead Elementary:
Situated on the ocean-view highlands in northern San Clemente, Marblehead Elementary opened its doors in 2001. Under the leadership of Principal Jacqueline Campbell, grades K through 5 are encouraged to exemplify the "Aloha Spirit" through Respect, Responsibility and Relationships. Part of the Capistrano Unified School District, Marblehead Elementary's mission is to help all children realize their potential as life-long learners as they apply basic skills and technology effectively. The positive, Aloha climate encourages students to be enthused not only about their academic accomplishments, but also about their roles in the world around them.
About the Marblehead Parent Teacher Association (PTA):
The Marblehead PTA, under the leadership of president Anne Weber, is extremely active in forging bonds among parents, teachers and the overall community. The PTA conducts ongoing fundraising efforts, including Box Top collections, an annual jog-a-thon, "dine-out" nights and sales efforts, to fund initiatives and programs that enrich the lives of students and the educational community as a whole. Recent successful programs include Art Masters, field trips, music classes, science and math nights, and computer lab aides.
****** MEDIA EVENT ******
All Media Invited to Attend for Information and Photo Op
Location: Marblehead Elementary
2410 Via Turqueza
Blacktop (behind school)
Date: Friday, February 5
Time: 7:45 am
On Friday, February 5 at 7:45 am, the press is invited to attend a very special Aloha Ceremony where over $500 in raised funds will be presented to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Haiti. The entire school will be in attendance. The check will be presented by the family of Marblehead parent Mike Goudchaux, who recently returned from a search and rescue mission to Haiti.
Press Contact:
Jennifer Benson
Public Relations
949-257-9023
jenscribe@mac.com
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com# # #
- american, california, clemente, county, cross, elementary, fundraising, haiti, orange, red, san, school
Other Press Release Headlines:
