Third Graders Making a Difference (TGMD), a Lower School year-long service-learning curriculum founded 12 years ago by Ms. Michelle Sussmann and co-led by Ms. Rachel Brainin P ’23, ’25, recently culminated in a TGMD Assembly attended by 3rd grade families. To begin the assembly, each student read a short speech they wrote about an organization or a cause that the class helped, or shared their feelings about a specific project or TGMD in general. Families then watched a video showcasing the students doing the work to help solve a problem or issue in the world. Next, students individually revealed signs highlighting their accomplishments this year, including the annual TGMD book sale, which raised more than $3,000 for charity! Third graders closed the assembly by singing “If You’re Out There,” by John Legend. “Working with my 3rd grade friends to help people was an awesome experience,” expressed Quinn L. ’35. Her classmate, Phineas C. ’35, said that he appreciated how TGMD inspires people to help others in need. “It also shows that no matter how old you are, you can make a difference,” he added. Indeed, this was among the goals, according to Ms. Sussmann: “[Through TGMD], kids are empowered and realize that they don’t have to wait to make a difference. They can make a difference now—at 8 and 9 years old.” Way to go, 3rd graders!
