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Knox Elementary raises money for students to go to Washington
Published Thursday, November 20, 2008
About 40 students will see history made in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20 when Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.
These fourth-and fifth-graders from Knox Elementary School won't miss their opportunity, promises Joslyn Reddick, principal of the school.
The students and the school have permission from the Selma City Schools Board of Education. The buses are lined up.
But they need help.
Recently, Reddick sent out a letter to local businesses, asking them to help send these children to Washington to the inauguration. She also has made an appeal to the Selma City Council.
"We build students by encouraging them to become responsible leaders," Reddick said, explaining the school participated in the national student elections for president during October and November. Student wrote papers about their choices for candidates and participated in get out the vote campaigns at school.
If her students are mature enough to accomplish these goals, then they should reap the benefits of actually seeing what voting does, Reddick reasons.
The trip costs about $18,000. The school has held a fall fundraiser and sold doughnuts to help with the costs.
Now Reddick asks for a $250 sponsorship for the children.
"Any amount that you are willing to give will be fine," she said.
Some of the children need other donations — socks, coats, hats, mittens or gloves to take with them. "You can donate them directly to the school," she said.
She wants to have the money in hand by Dec. 2.
On Tuesday at the city council meeting, Councilwoman Dr. Monica Newton called the project "inspirational" and "a wonderful opportunity."
Councilwoman Bennie Ruth Crenshaw, who works with the Selma Youth Ambassadors, promised her help to Reddick, as did Councilwoman Susan Keith.
Said Councilwoman Angela Benjamin, "This is awesome."
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Comments
Posted by tiredofthistown (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I want to see the cost breakdown. $18000 seems awfully high. Please someone find out why this costs so much.
Posted by mrbrown (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I had to travel to Washington, D.C. on an over the summer school-sponsored education opportunity back in 1990 and each student who went had to come up with $300 to cover expenses. That amount included the train ride there, lodging for 2 days, and dining. There's forty children making this trip, so accounting for inflation, if there were taking the same transportation the price may be reasonable.
It would still be nice to see that figure itemized, so that people that have no plans of contributing to this trip, can relax and be sure no one is benefiting unfairly in the city of Selma on their watch. Isn’t that right tiredofthistown?
Posted by bigbama (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
18,000.00 dollars divided by 40 equals 450.00 per student. But the article says they need 250.00 per student, whats the other 150.00 per student for? something isn't adding up.
Posted by tiredofthistown (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you Greg, I mean mrbrown. I would like to see a break down of the costs as well as an itinerary of what they will be doing. Are they just staying one night, and if so, that is a really high figure for the cost of the trip. Are they getting discounted rooms? I am sure I could cut that cost down drastically for them. Also, how many adults are going? I am willing to bet just as many adults are going as students. They are going to want a free ride also. Please if anyone has details post them on here. Thank you.
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MrBrown is not Greg......FYI. Never assume anything on these sites.
Posted by mrbrown (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's right. My name is not Greg. As for the adult getting a free ride, children this age need chaperones. The extra $150 may cover that expense. However, we will never know unless there is an itemization of the cost. Being that I'm not one of the parents or people asked to fund this trip, I don't really feel as though an analysis is warranted for me to support this opportunity.
Posted by tiredofthistown (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that they need chapperones, but not 40 adults. Maybe 1 to every 6 children. I would just like to see how many adults are going. If my math is correct there is an extra $200 per child not $150.
Posted by nowhining (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Aren't there more than 40 students in the 4TH and 5TH grades at Knox??? What about all of the students? If someone wants to chapperone, they should pay their own way. The City, State, Fed. Gov., are already broke. I do believe this is an opportunity of a lifetime, but should not use tax dollars. If we are going to give tax dollars for one school to take 2 grades, why not all of the schools in Selma, both public and private??? All of those children are residents of Selma. Don't the children get cold here?? It's been in the 20's already. They need coats, mittens, etc. to make it here, not just for a "trip" to Washington D.C. Fundraisers are good, and I will support them, they teach children responsibility, but hand-outs teach them something else.
Posted by mrbrown (anonymous) on November 22, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agreed with you nowhining up until the part about taking private school students. Private school students are not associated with public schools, so this is a missed opportunity for them. I don't think this is considered a handout. People are quick to scream handout, when instead an opportunity like this should be regarded as the chance of a life time. How many of us can say that we witnessed a Presidential Inaugaration first hand?
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