Thursday, March 21, 2013

Making a Difference

By: James Rice

Every person; big or small, can make a difference. Like no other time in history, we are an interconnected world community. We understand the importance of life and living it in a sustainable manner. However, as a singular person it becomes daunting when trying to make a difference.

One of my favorite group lessons that I have ever observed on the incredible impact that individuals can make was perhaps one of the simplest. The students were asked to sit in a giant circle. Each student was given a piece of paper and asked to hold it in their lap. They then were asked to look at the circle and see how clean it was. One student was then asked to crumble her paper and toss it into the middle of the circle. The students observed that the single crumbled paper did not have much of an impact on the cleanliness of the circle. However, as one by one each student crumbled their paper and tossed it into the circle they quickly realized that although they individually only contributed one small crumbled paper to their circle, it quickly grew into a massive pile. This simple lesson demonstrated to the students and to me, the difference we each can make.

At The Boyd School, each March for the past 4 years, we have joined in the global movement to make an impact and symbolically unite for a cause - our planet. 


What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is a simple idea that quickly turned into a global phenomenon.  Hundreds of millions of people around the world turn off their lights for one hour on the same night, to focus on the one thing that unites us all - our planet.  Earth Hour is a great opportunity for schools and parents to talk to children about our planet and the importance of taking care of it. For more information, visit the World Wildlife Federation site and watch the video below:


When is Earth Hour?

Global Earth Hour will be held on Saturday, March 23rd from 8:30 - 9:30pm.  The Boyd School will host a school day Earth Hour on Friday, March 22 from 9:30 - 10:30am.  The school will turn off lights and minimize power sources to contribute to Earth Hour 2013. We encourage our families to participate in Earth Hour on Saturday evening and take the opportunity to commitment as a family to do something more for the planet that goes beyond the hour.


James Rice is the Campus Director of The Boyd School - Herndon Campus. James has been with The Boyd School since 2006 and has served as Director of Admissions and Campus Director at various Boyd locations.  He enjoys art, music, sports and giving back to the community.