Cranes for Japan at Arts and Technology Night

In December, our fifth grade students learned about a Japanese girl named Sadako who died of leukemia caused by radiation from the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima. They learned about her courage and the Japanese tradition of folding paper cranes.

The crane is a sacred bird in Japan. It is said that if someone folds one thousand paper cranes they will be granted one wish. Sadako, a Japanese girl about our fifth graders age, tried to fold a thousand paper cranes to make herself well. Unfortunately, she passed away before they were completed. Her classmates folded the rest of the cranes for her. Her story of quiet strength and courage has made origami cranes representative of peace.

Out fifth graders folded their own paper cranes and reflected on their own ideas of peace. These artworks will be displayed on Arts Night, May 4th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. . When our students heard about the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, they sought out ways to help. Inspired by Sadako’s story, we began folding cranes. The students want to raise money for the Red Cross organization currently providing help and support to Japan. The paper cranes folded by our fifth grade students will be available on arts night. Upon any voluntary monetary donation, each donator can select their own crane to take with them. Suggested donation is a dollar a crane. Let us show how art can make a difference!