Communities in Schools, New York Welcomes Hamtaro!
May 23 and 24, 2002
Students at PS/IS 41 (Brooklyn) and PS 155 (Manhattan) enthusiastically welcomed Hamtaro, a brand-new Japanese cartoon sensation, during two premiere events this week.
Communities in Schools, New York, worked with Westcott Promotion Group- who represents ShoPro USA, Hasbro, Nintendo, Viz, and the Cartoon Network-to bring the special event to over 600 elementary school children.
"We used this event as an incentive for students," said PS 155 Principal Nina Hendrick. Students who maintained excellent behavioral, academic and attendance records were given permission to stay after school for the Hamtaro premiere.
As ShoPro USA Vice President John Easum introduced the cartoon to the student audiences, he emphasized Hamtaro's focus on character education. "This is a show that talks about friendship, respect, and responsibility," Mr. Easum said. "Try to think about that as you watch the cartoon."
After watching the Hamtaro video premiere, students were invited to meet the "real" Hamtaro, who appeared on stage in costume. Children shook Hamtaro's hand and posed for photographs with their new hamster friend.
As the events came to a close, students gathered in their cafeterias to enjoy a piece of Hamtaro cake and to receive two gifts: a Hamtaro key chain and a videotape containing two new episodes
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| CISNY Executive Director Dr. Roy J. Blash, PS 155 Principal Nina Hendrick, and ShoPro USA Vice President John Easum, displaying one of two checks presented to CISNY for the benefit of CSD 4, Manhattan, and CSD 23, Brooklyn. |
Communities in Schools, New York, received two five thousand dollar checks for Community School District 4 (Manhattan) and Community School District 23 (Brooklyn) from the consortium of ShoPro USA, Hasbro, Nintendo, Viz, and the Cartoon Network.
CISNY will use the donation to pay for 1,100 student subscriptions in each district to Purple Mountain Press, a school newspaper. Each of the 2,200 student subscriptions consists of nineteen copies during the school term. For a fuller description of Purple Mountain Press, please turn to page 2.
CISNY has an ongoing relationship with Westcott Promotion Group and Hamtaro, which will result in future projects. One possible project would involve the creation of a Hamtaro Homeclub newsletter containing educational activities for parents and children to do together as they watch the cartoon at home.
What Is Hamtaro?
Hamtaro is a new children's cartoon series featuring Hamtaro and his hamster pals, the Ham-Hams. The story line of Hamtaro promotes teamwork, respect and responsibility to kids.
Hamtaro is based on the popular illustrated children's storybooks created by Ms. Ritsuko Kawai. These stories are inspired by Ms. Kawai's personal experience and relationship with her own pet hamster as a young girl. She recalled this relationship as being a heartwarming, nurturing and fun experience.
The Japanese television series, "Tottoko Hamutaro" was introduced in Japan in July 2000. Since that time, Hamtaro has become one of TV Tokyo's top-rated kids television programs. Hamtaro premiered on the Cartoon Network on June 3, 2002.
Wrapping It Up
As the events drew to a close, all children received a slice of cake, a key chain, and a videotape containing two Hamtaro episodes.
 CISNY Public Relations Coordinator Jerry Parker and PS 155 students pose for a post-cake picture. |
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