New Beginnings Family Academy

184 Garden Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605 - Phone: 203-384-2897 Fax: 203-384-2898

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New Beginnings Students Show Empathy for Haitian Quake Victims

(BRIDGEPORT, 02/22/2010) – When New Beginnings Family Academy students learned of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that affected nearly 3 million Haitians, they immediately thought of “E” for empathy. It’s one of the S-T-R-E-T-C-H principles that define the culture and code of conduct at the public charter school, which enrolls 360 mostly low-income students in grades K-8.

Empathy for the victims spurred NBFA students to launch “Helping Hands for Haiti,” a fundraiser that required children to do simple chores around the house in exchange for spare change or a few bucks. In just one week, NBFA scholars had raised $1,024.63 for Haiti, which they turned over to Save the Children during a brief ceremony at the Bridgeport school.

The students chose to partner with Save the Children after learning their contributions would help other youngsters. Through Save the Children, which has worked in Haiti continuously since 1978, NBFA’s gift will help provide food, water, shelter and emergency health care for thousands of children affected by the earth quake, according to Diana Bogue, the organization’s director of special gifts.

“It brought tears to my eyes,” said Tiffany McCauley, a 1st grade teacher who coordinated the fundraiser. “I was so moved by our children and how they really stepped up to the plate.”

McCauley and her grade team partners constructed a display of colorful helping hands with short essays describing how students earned the money. Kindergartener Essence D. earned $10 for a variety of tasks including not talking back, putting on her own clothes and helping to clean grandma’s room. The older students were so moved to help that some sold personal items, including a pair of almost-new sneakers, to help raise money.

“I dried the dishes and put them away and whip (wiped) the table,” wrote Kyra M., a 1st grader.

At NBFA, students apply the principles of STRETCH to reach their highest potential. STRETCH stands for Strategic, Thoughtful, Respectful, Empathetic, Trustworthy, Consistent and Hard working. A high quality school of choice, New Beginnings Family Academy held four #1 rankings on the 2007 Connecticut Mastery Test, including #1 in elementary African American scores.

http://www.savethechildren.org

184 Garden Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605 - Phone: 203-384-2897 Fax: 203-384-2898
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	FIERCE ABOUT LEARNING
	News and Announcements New Beginnings Students Show Empathy for Haitian Quake Victims (BRIDGEPORT, 02/22/2010) – When New Beginnings Family Academy students learned of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that affected nearly 3 million Haitians, they immediately thought of “E” for empathy. It’s one of the S-T-R-E-T-C-H principles that define the culture and code of conduct at the public charter school, which enrolls 360 mostly low-income students in grades K-8. Empathy for the victims spurred NBFA students to launch “Helping Hands for Haiti,” a fundraiser that required children to do simple chores around the house in exchange for spare change or a few bucks. In just one week, NBFA scholars had raised $1,024.63 for Haiti, which they turned over to Save the Children during a brief ceremony at the Bridgeport school. The students chose to partner with Save the Children after learning their contributions would help other youngsters. Through Save the Children, which has worked in Haiti continuously since 1978, NBFA’s gift will help provide food, water, shelter and emergency health care for thousands of children affected by the earth quake, according to Diana Bogue, the organization’s director of special gifts. “It brought tears to my eyes,” said Tiffany McCauley, a 1st grade teacher who coordinated the fundraiser. “I was so moved by our children and how they really stepped up to the plate.” McCauley and her grade team partners constructed a display of colorful helping hands with short essays describing how students earned the money. Kindergartener Essence D. earned $10 for a variety of tasks including not talking back, putting on her own clothes and helping to clean grandma’s room. The older students were so moved to help that some sold personal items, including a pair of almost-new sneakers, to help raise money. “I dried the dishes and put them away and whip (wiped) the table,” wrote Kyra M., a 1st grader. At NBFA, students apply the principles of STRETCH to reach their highest potential. STRETCH stands for Strategic, Thoughtful, Respectful, Empathetic, Trustworthy, Consistent and Hard working. A high quality school of choice, New Beginnings Family Academy held four #1 rankings on the 2007 Connecticut Mastery Test, including #1 in elementary African American scores. http://www.savethechildren.org
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