Stratfield School’s Path for
Peace
Stratfield School - as befitting a
school opened in 1928 – is rich with history and traditions that
are passed down from class to class, generation to generation.
One of these traditions involves the 3rd grade
curriculum study of Japan and its culture and customs.
During this unit, the children learn
about Sadako, a young girl who died from leukemia brought on by
radiation from the atomic bombs dropped on Japan at the end of
WWII.
As the legend goes in Japan, if you fold one thousand paper
cranes any wish you make will be granted.
Sadako spent her time in a nursing home folding paper cranes in
hopes of making a thousand, allowing her to realize her wish of
staying alive.
Despite her efforts, she
managed to fold only 644 before she became too weak.
After Sadako died, it was her
friends and family who managed to fold the remaining cranes to
make up the thousand needed.
Now, children throughout the
world - not only those in Japan - fold paper cranes....but they
fold them because they wish for peace.
The study unit concludes with a
celebration outside in Stratfield’s very own peace garden.
The children wear traditional
Japanese kimonos made by their mothers, perform songs and dances
that they learned in music class and deliver origami paper
cranes as they make a wish for world peace.
During the renovation and construction
at Stratfield School, the peace garden is being moved to a new
location and replanted.
The peace pole, bronze cranes,
bird bath, and stepping stones which were gifts from previous
third grade classes will be added to the new plantings.
A memorial for a Stratfield
parent who passed away last year will also be located there.
This renovation offers the
entire Stratfield community a one time opportunity to become a
permanent part of the project by purchasing one or more bricks
that will comprise the path that leads to the new peace garden.
Please join us in our endeavor by
purchasing a commemorative brick with your choice of
inscription.
There are endless possibilities
for you to personalize your brick…your child’s name and year of
graduation, your family name, a favorite quotation, or you could
honor a favorite teacher.
Our building may be newly
renovated, but our school spirit and love of our children remain
the same.
Having a brick with your name
is a way to be part of Stratfield School – forever.
