Cedar School RMK Program Reminder 4/11/22

Thank you for your interest in learning more about the upcoming stories our students will be enjoying with readers from the Raising Multicultural Kids (RMK) program. As a reminder, an informational meeting for parents will be held, Tuesday, April 12^th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Cedar cafeteria. RMK is an educational-based non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness regarding cultural competency, inclusion, and diversity in local communities. RMK’s mission includes helping children gain greater self-esteem and respect for others, providing each child opportunities to see themselves modeled in the curriculum, and providing opportunities for all students to learn about how to be accepting, kind, and more inclusive.

Beginning in May, RMK readers (who are pursuing a college degree in education) will visit each of our classrooms to read a story and complete an activity that supports the message of the book. Exposure to age-appropriate stories featuring characters and experiences from other cultures provides children with the skills to better understand and celebrate our differences in a fun and safe environment while helping them to prepare for a successful future in our rapidly changing world.

Tomorrow evening is intended and planned to be an informational session for Cedar School families to learn more about these stories and to ask questions of the RMK staff and Cedar administration. We are understanding and aware that there is a community interest in these stories, however, priority will be given to Cedar families for questions and comments. If time remains, we will entertain questions from other interested parties. If you are unable to attend, please see a preview of the stories below.

The first selection is MITZVAH PIZZA, which will be shared during the week of May 2^nd with our kindergarten classrooms. Below is more information about the book.

A 2019 Caldecott Honor Book

Missy loves Saturdays with her dad. Every week they do something special together. Usually, Dad brings the funds and Missy brings the fun, but this week, it's Missy's turn to treat with her own allowance-until she and her dad stop for pizza, and Missy discovers a special way to do a mitzvah.

About the Author

Sarah Lynn Scheerger is a clinical social worker who works with "at-promise" youth, helping them figure out who they are and who they want to be. She started writing as a convenient excuse to avoid laundry and admittedly has gotten a little carried away. She writes picture books as well as middle-grade and young adult novels. She lives in southern California with her husband and children. To learn more, check out her website at www.sarahlynnbooks.com.

The second selection is ALL THE WAYS TO BE SMART which will be shared during the week of May 23rd with our grade one classrooms. Below is more information about the book.

A 2019 ABIA - Australian Book Industry Award Winner

Celebrates the myriad ways for kids to be smart-being empathic, artistic, athletic, and inquisitive.

A tender, funny, and exquisitely illustrated picture book celebrating all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are.

With heartwarming rhyming text all about knowing what makes you special. All the Ways to Be Smart is a wonderful introduction to conversations about self-esteem.

About the Author

Davina Bell is an award-winning author of books for young readers of many ages. She writes picture books as well as junior fiction, middle-grade fiction, and young adult novels. Davina lives in Melbourne, where she works as a children’s book publisher. She talks to kids and adults around the country about the enchanting world of books and ideas.

Thank you for your time to read this message and for all of your support on a daily basis.

Sincerely,

Garry Pelletier, Principal
Ellen McLaughlin, Assistant Principal