Paper Clips

So this past Friday and Saturday I attended a middle school conference in Nashville. There were almost 30 staff members from LFMS that went, so we had a really good time! (And I got to go shopping!)

I learned many new things and did get somewhat of a "boost". The last afternoon was probably the most interesting to me though. In 2004 a documentary came out called "Paper Clips" which is based on a middle school in Whitwell, TN (about 20 minutes northwest of Chattanooga). The students and staff of the school wanted to started a study on the Holocaust to learn about its effects and also learn about diversity.

After several years of having this after school study, a student finally asked.. "What's 6 million?"--since 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. The principal said she had never seen 6 million of anything, which then made them all curious to collect 6 million of something so they could understand it better.

Well... basically, it turns into this unbelievable project where they start collecting paper clips. I can't really tell you it all, because it's too much, and I want you to go rent the DVD.

The producer of the film was one of our speakers, and he told us so much inside info. and really explained how it all happened and began. We then watched the film and were able to ask him questions. I definitely cried.

Of course, the Holocaust is an extremely emotional topic, but also... I was so overwhelmed because I realized that we underestimate what our children are capable of doing. These students were unbelievable and literally, changed the world. Holocaust survivors, newspapers, the national news, and even the president knew about the paper clips project.

I also take a special liking to the film because it was so close to home, and those children are as country as a shoe! So-I can definitely relate based on my precious angels I teach!

Go rent PAPER CLIPS!