Students at Emerson (left) and Hanby (right), guided by art teacher Juls Rathje, pose in front of colorful, collaborative school diversity flags they created.
Emerson and Hanby elementary students, families and staff are joining together this year to promote an initiative that celebrates diversity, called Standing Together, We Make Westerville Better. Fifth grade Emerson pupil Rhianna Friedman came up with the name.
For the first of many activities, the children decorated a hand template that reflects who they are and how they are unique. Juls Rathje, the art teacher for both schools, reports that the youngsters enjoyed showing creativity on their individual projects and were excited to see the final pieces – gigantic, collaborative school diversity flags, which will be prominently displayed at each building all year. Guidance Counselor Melissa Harps intends to integrate discussions about diversity into her lessons at both schools.