New London High School students sparked national coverage with their True Beauty Campaign designed to boost the self-esteem of girls and to get them to embrace themselves.
Juniors Caitlin Schmidt, Cambria Fitzgerald and Jenna Mytton created the campaign as part of an assignment for their School of Enterprise Marketing (SEM) class.
Part of their campaign was holding a “No Makeup Day,” which took place on Nov. 15. Hundreds of girls took part in the event pledging to not wear makeup and prove to themselves and others that true beauty is more than skin deep.
The event generated local interest as well as national interest. The True Beauty project and No Makeup Day made national news with an article through the MSN network.
“It made an impression all across the nation, not just in New London,” Superintendent Bill Fitzpatrick said. “It even made an impression on a woman from California.”
Fitzpatrick shared with school board members on Monday, Dec. 10 during the regular scheduled school board meeting, the contents of a letter written in response to the online article.
Joanne Savage from Sacramento, Calif. sent a letter to the high school praising the efforts of the students for creating a campaign addressing the natural beauty of young women.
“It really was quite refreshing to read this article, I found myself smiling throughout,” Savage stated in her letter. “Please extend my high-fives to the students involved and my sincere appreciation for spreading positive values to others,”
The contents of the letter can be found on the district’s website, under the district administrator’s December report.
Hillshire Donation
Community and local business’ contributions go a long way in supporting programs within the school district.
This year the district was awarded $14,000 from Hillshire Brands to put toward four programs.
According to Director of Business Services Joe Marquardt, Hillshire Brands, formally known as Sara Lee, has contributed funds to the district for many years.
They have supported programs such as Bulldogs of Character, Racing for Education, Junior Achievement and the Show Choir’s weekend invitational at the High School.
“The funds definitely go a long way in helping these programs,” Marquardt said. “We sincerely thank Hillshire for their generous donation.”
Development of second charter school
With the continuous advancements in technology, students have more opportunities for online education.
As administrators are working toward the implementation of the Next Generation Academy, some feel this charter school may not benefit all students.
The Academy will provide individualized learning to students, but at-risk students may struggle with the different learning format.
According to Director of Pupil Services Ann Christopherson, there is not a room designated to place at-risk students in all one program. They are displaced in various areas.
Christopherson and Director of Teaching and Learning Kathy Gwidt are looking to the future by writing a planning grant for the development of another charter school specific for an alternative learning environment for at-risk students.
The planning grant is due Apr. 15, 2013 and the district will find out for the next school year whether they will be awarded the planning grant for a second charter school.