Head of School Details Katrina Aid Efforts

Dear Hawken Community, The shocking images of devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina over the last two weeks have, for many of us, defied imagination. As we watch from a distance, it is difficult to grasp the scope of challenges that have only just begun for thousands of hurricane victims who, after being torn from their homes and community support systems, must now seek refuge, supplies, and educational opportunities for their displaced school children. The Hawken community is responding to these needs with compassion, speed, and generosity. Student-led relief campaigns have been active since the opening day of classes on August 31. Building on the tsunami relief efforts of last winter, Upper School students have raised over $2,000 through dress-down days and bake sales; these funds have been designated for donation to the Red Cross via an advisory consensus vote. Additionally, Hawken third-graders have sparked "Backpacks 4 Kids," a collaborative drive to provide over 5,000 backpacks, stuffed with personal and school supplies, to displaced school children transitioning into temporary communities in Louisiana and Arkansas. Through a swift train of student and parent communication led by Kathie MacEwan, Bill Waskowitz, and parents Lisa Gaines-Smith and Lori Shellenberger, this effort GÇô which began as a phone conversation between Hawken 8-year olds GÇô now includes not only the Hawken Lower, Middle and Upper School divisions, but a number of CCIS schools. Transport of backpacks to Louisiana will begin on Tuesday, September 20; a substantial portion of the associated cost is being covered by Hawken donors. Long-term relief efforts will commence in October, when Upper School students plan to launch a support network for families seeking refuge in Cleveland, and long-distance relationships with several schools in the Gulf region that have been directly affected by Katrina. Additionally, Bill Waskowitz and Lisa Gaines-Smith are identifying potential partnerships with schools in Lisa`s home state of Arkansas, which are opening their doors to thousands of Louisiana`s school children. Finally, Hawken`s Admission team has communicated through the National Association of Independent Schools, the Ohio Association of Independent Schools, and the Southern Association of Independent Schools that Hawken is willing to admit displaced students. Already, one Hawken alumna has been in contact about relocating to Cleveland and enrolling her son at Hawken. The vigor, determination, and unity of our community response GÇô and most particularly, our student response GÇô to Katrina are truly remarkable. That our children recognize the value of not only immediate material aid, but of meaningful, ongoing relationships with their peers affected by this tragedy, exemplifies both the awareness and the will to act that are central to a Hawken education. Ongoing educational options are being developed as well. I urge you to lend your strongest support to your children as their responses to this tragedy evolve. Detailed information about backpack donations may be found here, along with contact information for project coordinators, and the location of cash donation sites on both campuses. Keep watching the web site for updates on our varied efforts. Please do not hesitate to call me with your questions, ideas, and concerns. Warm Regards, James S. Berkman Head of School