Peace Rally community meeting! :-)

Student reps led a workshop Friday surrounding peace, community, social courage and Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy.  Students shared shout outs from the heart (To MLK and to Obama!), Darien, Ali, Keegan and Khamani shared a musical tribute, and Bridgette and Natalie performed a song with interpretive dance dedicated to our message.  Rhys bravely stood up and said what we were all thinking: we would not be here at ESM sharing each day with one another if it were not for people before us believing in equal rights and a concern for ALL people.  Mr. Cappaert shared a personal anecdote about his father’s role in the civil rights movement, and Ms. Wilson led us through a mindfulness exercise in finding inner peace.  Miss. O’Connor helped everyone to engage in what it means to (literally) “throw” our words and thoughts out into the world.  We responded to prompts then had a peaceful snowball throw to see what to respond to next! Wow! Overall, Friday was one of the most moving events ESM has participated in and we are so glad to have shared it with the community.  While MLK day is officially a national day of service, ESM students know that every day is a good day to think beyond yourself and to ask if you are doing the right thing, and speaking up about things that really matter.

Mindfulness meditating!

graffiti Peace walls!