Addition, November 7th
Today, I made an announcement of correction. It was:
In 1961 when Barack Obama was born, some African Americans were not allowed to vote in the United States, despite the 15th Amendment which was ratified in 1870. Poll taxes and literacy tests were used to prevent some from voting. Not until 1965, when the Voting Rights Act was passed, were all African Americans actually allowed to vote.
Ms. Heffron’s Letter
November 6, 2008
One of the core purposes of public education is to help develop citizens who are ready to participate in a democratic society. On Election Day, November 4th, Cumberland School students participated in a Kids Vote election. This event planned and implemented by Mrs. O’Brien and the 5th grade Leadership Team gave students an authentic experience of voting that paralleled the adult world. “Poll workers” registered each student. Students voted in voting booths marking paper ballots. Each student voted only once. Votes were tallied. Results were announced. Throughout their elementary school years, students have the opportunity to experience only two presidential elections, one of the pinnacles of living in a democracy. A huge thank you goes out to Mrs. O’Brien who, along with Ms. Purvis and the Student Leadership Team of Cal Arnold, Mia Bauer, Mike Broomfield, Brennan Gregg, Zoey Knox, Matt McLaughlin and Eric Schmid, organized this event.
To mark the actual Presidential Election school wide, I made the following announcement at the end of the day on Wednesday.
Students, Staff and Visitors at Cumberland.
Yesterday’s presidential election was an historic event, memorable because it marks the first time in the history of the United States that an African American person was elected President of our country. In 1961 when Barack Obama was born, African Americans were not even allowed to vote in the United States. Not until four years later, when the Voting Rights Act was passed, were African Americans allowed to vote. It was an historic election no matter who won, in that John McCain would have been the oldest president with Sarah Palin being the first female vice president.
Individual people throughout the history of the United States have changed the course of our country through their actions in working for the good of all people, correcting injustices and taking on things that others said were impossible. Barack Obama joins this group of people sharing the common belief that working for something can make it happen, that trying even in the face of obstacles can result in change and that we have a responsibility to care for everyone around us.
President Elect Obama could become a presidential candidate only because people who lived before him made changes in our country that allowed him to believe that all things are possible. For each one of you, our Cumberland students, all things are possible, too. If you believe and if you try hard, you can be anything you want.
You have lived during an important historical time in the United States. As you grow older, we hope you are active and involved citizens in a country where anything is possible.
There are many upcoming events here at Cumberland including Parent Teacher Conferences. If you do not remember the time you signed up for, or if you have not yet signed up, please contact your child(ren)’s teacher(s). We highly value the chance to meet together and talk about your child’s progress.
As is customary here, the PTO Book Fair is also held during Parent Teacher Conferences. Don’t forget to stop in to Room 4 for a great selection of items from the Scholastic company.
Notes:
- Whitefish Bay Holiday Stroll: The Silver Spring Drive stroll takes place on Friday, November 28th, and starts with a 6:00 parade. Following the parade, children can participate in Winter Carnival games as well as enjoying free pony rides, Cinderella carriage rides and train rides. All proceeds will go to children’s charities. “Please keep the Whitefish Bay businesses on your list this year.”
- Cumberland 5th Grade Community Service Club took your donations of 300 pounds of candy to the Northcott Neighborhood House and to the Veterans Hospital. They thank everyone for your generosity. Also, the leaf raking event was a success with 5th graders raising more than $265.00! These proceeds go directly back to Cumberland. Thanks Community Service Club members.
- We are happy to announce the arrival of our new, state of the art copy machine. All volunteers who use the copier need to be trained before using the machine. Johanna will be available to do a quick training session with any parent volunteers. Her schedule is: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 2:00-3:00 p.m. If these times are inconvenient, please call Johanna to find a time that will work for you and for the office.
- Shorewood Players Theatre is peforming "Big-The Musical" November 7, 8, 14, &15 @ 7:30pm. November 9 & 16 @2:00pm. Performances are held at Shorewood High School Auditorium. Tickets are $16. for adults, $12. for students and seniors. Children 7 and under $7. Big is a funny Broadway Musical about a adolescent waking up in an adult's body. This production includes many current and former Cumberland students.
