Renowned Book Inspires Local Students to Act

In response to Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s recent school-wide read of Eleanor Estes’ renowned book, The Hundred Dresses, Good Shepherd Lutheran School is collecting gently used dresses and donating them to Homeward Bound of Marin. 

At the heart of the story is Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl in a Connecticut school who is made fun of by classmates because of her limited wardrobe, particularly because she wears the same faded blue dress each day. Wanda defensively claims that she has one hundred dresses at home, but her classmates know she does not and they bully her terribly. The story turns when Wanda is unexpectedly pulled out of school, and by then it’s too late for apologies by her guilt-ridden classmates.

After reading The Hundred Dresses, Good Shepherd Lutheran School students felt compelled to act and initiated a movement to collect one hundred (or more) dresses and donate them to Homeward Bound of Marin. “Our students were touched by Eleanor Estes timeless book, which teaches many valuable life lessons, for all ages,” says Good Shepherd Lutheran School Administrator, Debbie Hanks. “I’m deeply touched by our students’ initiative and dedication to this collaboration with Homeward Bound. It is a wonderful project that we’re honored to facilitate.“

Good Shepherd Lutheran School is collecting gently used dresses until Friday, May 3. Boxes are located at both Good Shepherd Lutheran School Main Campus located at 1180 Lynwood Blvd., Novato and Middle School Campus at 710 Wilson Ave, Novato.

For more information on Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s The Hundred Dresses project, please contact Gigi Dennis, Marketing/PR, Good Shepherd Lutheran School, at 415-250-4762 or e-mail gigi.dennis@goodshepherdlutheran.org

About Good Shepherd Lutheran School

Founded in 1976 as a ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran School provides a comprehensive Preschool – 8th grade education serving the children of families in Marin and Sonoma Counties. Based on biblical principles and centered on Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd Lutheran School is a faith community that believes the best education takes place within the context of relationships, and where the uniqueness of every child is valued. Small classes emphasize one of the core values of GSLS, and teachers integrate a Christian worldview into the curriculum thereby creating foundations of faith, integrity, leadership, service to others and academic excellence.

GSLS is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association and the California Association of Private School Organizations, and is accredited by the National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).