Moreland School District Offers Up Pinwheels for Peace

More than 400 colorful pinwheels, both large and small encircled the flagpole in front of Moreland School District's main offices.

"Pinwheels represent a joyful celebration of childhood - a time when life is carefree and peaceful, free from anxiety, and hopefully free from violence," said Moreland School District's Facebook page.

The Campbell school district was one of millions worldwide that joined the Pinwheels for Peace Project worldwide on Friday, Sept. 21 in celebration of International Day of Peace.

The project was started as an art installation by two Florida teachers in 2005 as a vehicle to talk about current events with their students. 

"It's such an interesting project," says Moreland Personnel Specialist Alisa Johnson, "I like when there are opportunities to talk to your children about important topics in a comfortable setting."

About a dozen administrators got together on Sept. 20 and made the pinwheels to display out front where parents would be picking up/dropping off students.

"If you're picking up your child and see the pinwheels, you can ask what they're about and begin the conversation in a casual way," Johnson says.

The district heard about the project in 2011 and decided to participate this year. The event's timing in relation to the recent observance of the 11th anniversary of September 11 is important, Johnson says.

"It's a reason to talk about peace, tolerance, war ... what they all mean to children in the classroom," she says. "It's relevant to teachers, to parents and to students."

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