Lakewood Ranch elementary school celebrates International Peace Day

Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School students jumped on the peace train Sept. 21 to celebrate International Peace Day.

The school was able to purchase a copy of Cat Stevens' book "Peace Train" for every classroom. Each class read the book and decorated their own train car. The school's Parent Teacher Organization, office staff, custodial staff, paraprofessionals, the fine arts department and others also decorated their own train cars.

The cars will be connected in the cafeteria. 

"It's a nice way to remember that Peace Day stands for spreading kindness and showing compassion not only within our school community but in our home community and then even farther out in the world," said Kristi Dyer, a teacher and Peace Day coordinator.

A committee of student leaders also produced a virtual ceremony for the school and made a banner. Students also dressed in clothing with peace signs and made art sharing what peace means to them.

Ashlie Fulmer, a teacher and Peace Day coordinator, said celebrating Peace Day is an opportunity to interrupt the every day routine for something positive. 

"We want to maintain these traditions for our students, and we don't want anybody to miss Peace Day," Fulmer said. "It's definitely a part of our culture that just brings us a lot of joy through these times."