As the year draws to a close, people often are filled with joy and generosity. But for students in The Day School, giving back isn’t just something to think about during the holidays – it’s a year-round opportunity for learning.

In the winter edition of Amazing Kids magazine, you'll find an article that highlights just a few of the ways students at The Day School contribute to their community and the world around them. One such example is the current curriculum based on the Pennies for Peace Program. 

Learning and sharing

Pennies for Peace is a program developed by Greg Mortenson, following his book Three Cups of Tea. Led by Ellen Leger, speech/language pathologist at The Day School, and organized by the classrooms of Kristen Hartmann and Antoinette Sparte, the Pennies for Peace Program helps children learn about the world beyond them and the rewards of sharing and working together to bring hope to children who lack educational opportunities. While a penny may seem virtually worthless, it can buy a pencil and open the door to literacy for children in impoverished countries.

Students at The Day School are hosting a penny drive to collect money to help build schools for underprivileged children in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Every classroom has a large container, and each student has made an individual penny container to take home. While a few pennies may not seem like much, they really do add up. So far, students have collected more than 300 pounds of coins that totaled almost $800! With the Pennies for Peace Program running until April 2010, there’s no telling how much the students will be able to contribute to the program.

To learn how you can support the development of other educational programs such as this, please visit www.amazingkids.org/giving

1405 Shady Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217-1350
412.420.2400
www.amazingkids.org