April 22 - "Developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibilities" - this is the mission statement of the American School in Japan (ASIJ). Over 70 American Embassy children attend this school, located in western Tokyo, along with many other expatriate children.

One of the American School's ninth grade students, Mark McNeill, thought he and his friends should help Japanese students affected by last month's earthquake and tsunami. He approached the Student Council which galvanized the entire school in a fundraising effort.

Students contributed from their own allowances, and also sponsored fund-raising activities such as a futsal tournament and a variety show. ASIJ parents and alumnae also contributed.

With the money they raised, ASIJ teachers, students and parents recently delivered 400 sets of brand new desks and chairs to four elementary and junior high schools in Ishinomaki that were destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami. They also brought 400 sets of stationery supplies and personal messages of support in Japanese that had been written by ASIJ students. Finally, they presented hundreds of paper cranes folded by ASIJ elementary school children to Ishinomaki principals and teachers as a gesture of hope and support.

I think that ASIJ faculty can be proud that their students responded to last month's tragedy with so much compassion.

Until next time,

Jim