The Feast of Thanks at Perspectives Charter School-Calumet
Ernest Sanders
Published: November 22, 2006
Ernst & Young volunteers helped to serve Perspectives-Calumet students.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
Just as the title suggests, Perspectives Charter School-Calumet Campus held their first annual Thanksgiving celebration for their students and faculty.
In attendance were approximately three hundred students and a host of family and friends. 7th and 9th grade students packed the 2nd floor gymnasium and filled their tummies with a wide variety of foods to include: turkey & dressing (stuffing), ham, chicken, meatballs & gravy, spaghetti, macaroni & cheese, fajita wraps, salads, fruits, beverages, and too many irresistible desserts.
To help accomplish this huge feat, volunteers from one of the “big five” accounting firms, Ernst and Young, served the students graciously. According to Glennese Ray, Co-principal of the Calumet campus, “Ernst and Young has adopted Perspectives Charter Schools since 2005 and this is their first year at the Calumet campus. It’s great that we are able to give thanks as a Perspectives family with our students.”
A Perspectives-Calumet student proudly displays her accomplishment as an honor roll student.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
One of the most rewarding observations of this celebration was to see kids draw closer to one another and cooperate in such an orderly fashion that spoke highly of Perspective’s Guiding Principles: 1) to teach “A Discipline Life”, 2) provide a thorough academic curriculum, 3) engage students with community partners, 4) team up with parents, and 5) grow as educators while sharing best practices.
An obvious measure of their success could be identified by the number of students who wore their 2006-2007 “Honor Roll” and “Principal’s Scholars” tee-shirts. According to Kim Day, CEO for Perspectives Charter Schools, “The tee-shirts inspire other students to become honor roll students or better. The students do not have to wear their uniform shirt in place of these tee-shirts. What a great way to acknowledge the efforts of our students.”
When asked about her shared dream of Perspectives Charter Schools coming to fruition, Day replied that “I’ve got the best job in the world. It’s great to see children excel. Perspectives is truly blessed.”
Perspectives-Calumet students gather together for a photo opportunity.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
Co-principal Tamara Davis seemingly agreed and said, “I love my job. It is really meaningful to share Thanksgiving with our students and express a sincere form of gratitude.”
One student even acknowledged the faculty’s beliefs and said, “The food is really good. It’s just like grandma’s cooking.”
Indeed, Perspectives Charter Schools-Calumet Campus celebrated and gave thanks simultaneously. It was very enlightening to be a part of the first of many joyous occasions as the Feast of Thanks.
Posted in Community Highlights