As we enter this season of gratitude, the East Aurora School District is reaffirming its holistic commitment to education. We are dedicated to nurturing not just high-achieving students, but empathetic, caring members of society. Guided by the philosophy of the whole child, whole community, whole school, our educators strive daily to foster kindness, inclusion, and mutual respect in every classroom.
All three schools have successfully integrated school-wide restorative circles, helping students practice empathy, respect, perspective-taking, and civic learning. Each building has added new leadership opportunities for students to contribute in meaningful ways.
At Parkdale, students are participating in Character Strong lessons on empathy and gratitude, completing a bullying-prevention series, and engaging in classroom activities that foster kindness, inclusion, and positive relationships.
Fostering belonging remains a district priority, highlighted by the continued success of the Middle School’s WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) program. Students recently engaged with speaker Brad Hurdig, who delivered timely lessons on resilience and strong decision-making skills. The commitment to these themes continues as the district, in partnership with the high school, prepares to host Dr. Hunter once again to reinforce core values of care, belonging, and dignity for every student.
The High School continues to focus on community-building being a priority through freshman advisory and the expanded Service Learning Day, supporting local needs and reaching further into the broader Western New York community. Students also welcomed Duncan Kirkwood earlier this year, are preparing to work with the Erie-Catt Teacher Center to promote social unity and cultural awareness, and are expanding the student-led Global Leadership Bazaar to include a daytime event for all students.
A Multilayered Approach to Empathy
The district views every lesson and interaction as an opportunity to build essential character traits. This year, the district is introducing an exciting experience as simply one more layer in its broad efforts: the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT).
Fully funded by state education grants, the MMOT is an interactive, immersive experience that uses history, workshops, and technology to help students explore crucial concepts like tolerance and mutual respect at no cost to the district.
Museum Visit Details for Grades 5-12
The MMOT will be visiting East Aurora Middle School and East Aurora High School from December 5–17, 2025. Students in grades 5-12 will participate in specially designed lessons aimed at promoting critical thinking and community-mindedness, with the High School Steering Committee playing a key role in selecting the specific lessons for high school students.
Key student lessons include:
Learning Empathy Through History (focusing on Civil Rights)
The Power of Ordinary People
Combat Hate: Digital Media Literacy
Students will gain skills ranging from thinking critically about online media and recognizing misinformation to considering the profound impact of their actions. Through these experiences, students will learn about a variety of topics, including civil rights, stories of courageous individuals, and ways to make a positive difference in their communities.
Museum “Open House” and Pre-Registration
On December 5, 2025, the district's Parent-Teacher Conference and Professional Development day, an open house will be held for the community to preview the MMOT. This opportunity will include:
A guided introduction to the MMOT
A short interactive learning experience
Video highlights previewing student workshops
Parents and guardians will have the unique opportunity to pre-register for limited spots to check out this amazing asset and get a sense of what their students will experience.
Building a Caring Community Together
The district holds that its most profound achievement lies in shaping not just successful students, but exceptional people. The district believes the true measure of education is the heart, which is why it values compassion as highly as it does academic excellence. Through this commitment, the district ensures every child is equipped to step into the world as a positive, empathetic member of the community and beyond.