On October 14th, The Duke Ellington School honored 22 of its students by inducting them into P.S. 4's Gamma Chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society. The members were chosen based on the scale scores from their 2010-2011 state exams in both math and English Language Arts (minimum: 693). "I now call this meeting to order", announced Chapter President Yeni P. from class 520. Co-advisers Ms. Lennon and Mr. Cantu continued the ceremony by informing the inductees of the four characteristics that all members must share; scholarship, responsibility, service, and leadership. "You are now role models for the boys and girls of this school", announced Mr. Cantu. Guest speaker, Rebecca Kraus, from an organization called Children for Children, gave students words of wisdom. In 2008, her organization donated funds to purchase new furniture for the school's library. Along with supporting schools, her organization provides volunteer opportunities for children of all ages. "You are the leaders of the future," said, Rebecca, "I'm proud of you." Pride for these 4th and 5th grade students was shared by our principal, Delois White-Jones, as she acknowledged the many parents in the audience.Members meet every Tuesday morning. They are required to be involved in four service-learning projects throughout the year and will be creating activities where students can show pride in their school. Members have already begun selling Smencils in an effort to raise money for the school's general fund. Their first service-learning project will be a City Harvest canned food collection for homeless women and children.
