School Wide
TOLERANCE PROJECT- ENL-Presented by Ms. Garner and Ms. Higdon

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Project description: The sophomore academy teachers have developed an interdisciplinary unit on the holocaust and the importance of tolerance.  As the world and the United States continue to become more diverse with different cultures interacting on a regular basis, the need for tolerance and the ability of various groups to interact with each other in respectful ways becomes all too clear.  Unfortunately acts of intolerance continue throughout the world where differences are not tolerated.  Some examples of acts of intolerance are genocides such as the Turkish slaughter of the Armenians, the Khmer Rouge atrocities in Cambodia, the Rwanda genocide, and the current genocide in Darfur.  Acts of intolerance can also be seen in hate crimes associated with such figures as Emmett Till, James Byrd Jr., and Matthew Shepard. 

The sophomore academy teachers feel that it is important for all students to learn to respect and tolerate others’ beliefs even when we don’t agree with those beliefs.  Tolerance doesn’t mean you have to agree with someone’s beliefs, behavior, or lifestyle; it merely means that you are able to put up with others without doing them harm.  As such the Sophomore Academy and Renaissance are sponsoring a school wide tolerance project.  If you are passionate about promoting tolerance among students, this contest is for you.

Who can participate in the sophomore academy’s tolerance project?  Students from all grade levels may research and develop a project within the categories of literature, multi-media, visual and performing arts.  A literature project could involve a student writing a speech, a poem, or a short story that illustrates the theme of tolerance.  A multimedia project could be a video made by the student that promotes tolerance and shows the effects of intolerance on the world.  A visual project could be a student creating an artwork on the theme of tolerance.  And, finally, a performance project, could involve a student creating a dance, a piece of music, or a dramatic monologue on the theme of tolerance.

What will students gain from winning the contest?  The top three places in each category will receive gift cards.  First place will receive $50, 2nd place $30, and 3rd place $20.  But, most importantly, all winners will be able to attend the sophomore assembly on March 10th where Ann Klein, a holocaust survivor, will be speaking to the sophomore class.  This is important because you are the last generation of students who will have an opportunity to hear stories from real survivors of the Holocaust firsthand.  Most survivors are in their 70s and above and are increasingly frail.  Those students who win first place in each category will also have the opportunity to eat lunch with Ms. Klein that day.  Also, all winners in each category will receive name mention with a description of their project on ENL.

We encourage everyone to participate.  If you are interested in participating in this project see Mrs. Higdon in room 415 or Mrs. Garner in room 329 for more information about this exciting competition.  When you come to see us, we will provide you with a rubric of how your project will be scored.

ALL PROJECTS MUST BE TURNED IN TO MRS. HIGDON OR MRS. GARNER BY FEBRUARY 29TH.