Crisis in Japan Reveals Compassion & Community Service Opportunities

In light of the horror and devastation seen following a March 11th earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan, Ranney School hosted Middle and Upper School assemblies to address the overseas disaster, discuss possible fundraising opportunities and educate students.

Dressed in red and white clothing to symbolize the Japanese flag, Middle School students flocked to RSPA Panther Hall on Friday, March 25, 2011, where Head of the Middle School David Fischer explained that the natural disaster witnessed in Japan not only affected the entire Pacific community, but also had a global impact as well. It fostered worldwide citizenship, and according to Mr. Fischer, it is important that Ranney’s students understand the science behind the tragedy and likewise develop compassion for those exposed to the earthquake, consequential tsunami and unexpected radiation.

Following a brief “YouTube” video entitled “Twin Disasters Overwhelm Japan,” which described turmoil felt throughout Japan over the past several weeks, Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff presented students with geographic facts and economic information on the country. For instance, the audience learned that Japan is made up of 6,852 islands and is the fourth largest exporter in the world. He ended with a call to service to all students and asked that they participate in providing relief for such a strong country, suddenly torn apart by natural disaster. “Good things can also come from disaster as we are seeing a sense of humanity from countries across the globe,” said Dr. Sykoff. "We all know that despite reports, the earthquake and tsunami's full economic impact will not be known for some time. The focus now is on human tragedy and survival. Japan will recover...with our help and support."

The assemblies continued with informative slideshows on tsunamis from sixth grade science teacher Laurie Rozzo and Head of the Upper School Science Department Marnie Jones. Each displayed pictures and videos that showed how a tsunami can form, how it functions and what the March 11th tsunami looked like as it swept towards and over Japan’s coastline.

Next, Director of Academic Affairs and Upper School physics teacher Robert Bowman, Ph.D. explained the many downsides of a nuclear breach occurring in Japan. First, in order to help students better understand what radioactivity is and how it works, Dr. Bowman presented an animated video by BrainPOP, entitled “Tim and Moby-Radioactivity.” Then, he showed the audience an example of nuclear fission and discussed reasons why a chain reaction could be detrimental to those living in Japan.

Student Council President Michelle Drappi ’11 announced a school-wide $5 dress-down day on Thursday, March 31st. Dressed in red and white, classmates and teachers donated $5 or more to the American Red Cross relief fund for Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims. Ranney also planned to sell bracelets and donate a percentage of all sales to Japan. Members of the Lower School raised approximately $3,000 through organized bake sales and the Upper and Middle Schools also contributed over $2,700. These efforts, along with many more community service opportunities provided at Ranney, demonstrate the school's compassion and commitment towards helping others.