Peace circles connect to world
Two magnet schools use a theme of peace in activities that develop awareness of other cultures.
By ELISABETH DYER
Published March 10, 2006
"Peace makes your heart feel good," said 10-year-old Eric Andrews, a student at Lockhart Elementary School.
His classmates at the arts and global communication magnet school north of Ybor City gathered at daybreak last week to form a peace circle. Each class lined up like spokes in a wheel, facing the center of the school courtyard and their principal, Kim Pietsch.
"Peace begins with you and it goes out to the state of Florida and out into the world," said Pietsch, who started the monthly circles in August. She wants to nurture a warm, accepting climate at the school, which serves a diverse population.
Peace also has found a place at another area magnet school. MacFarlane Park School for International Studies plans to plant a peace pole today at 9 a.m. outside the cafeteria. Superintendent MaryEllen Elia plans to attend. Students will sing and play violins.
The aluminum pole has a message inscribed in Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and French: May peace prevail on Earth. Students made steppingstones to surround the pole, sponsored partly by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Students will put the theme into action by making books for children in Africa, earning money to buy farm animals for poor families and helping with Freedom Playground planned for MacFarlane Park across the street.
At Lockhart, European countries was the theme of last week's peace circle. Second-graders brought flags from Norway, Denmark and Sweden and sang: "Wir wollen frieden in der welt," while teacher Geoffrey Roedig played guitar.
"It means we want peace in the world," said 7-year-old Beatrice Spencer.
"I show peace by understanding everyone," wrote Jasmine Trejo in a poem.
Third-grade teacher Nancy Loria said the focus on peace is especially important while the war continues in Iraq.
"It's a way to show support for all cultures," she said.
Giselle Martin, whose daughter, Giovana, is a student at Lockhart agrees.
"The kids learn for the future about peace," she said.
Eight-year-old Nicholas McCoy said peace means freedom.
"Like Martin Luther King said, "Everyone should have civil rights and be treated equally,' " he said.
- Elisabeth Dyer can be reached at edyer@sptimes.com or 813 226-3321.