SOS - Send One Student
Donation protected
S.O.S. - Send One Student
Background Story
Shhhh - Don't tell the kids! You are about to be a part of the coolest gift to our students. I can't wait to see the look on their faces. But wait, I am getting ahead of myself.
My name is Karen Kanwhen and I am a special education teacher at Nate Mack Elementary School in Henderson, NV (that’s by Las Vegas ). Each year our fifth grade students take an educational trip to Sea World for two days and one night in April. Yes, it really is educational. Three quarters of the trip is class time and the other 1/4 is free time in the park. As the special education teacher I also go and take any fifth graders from my self-contained classroom. This is a great opportunity for our students. Last year was my first year to go... like ever. I had never been to Sea World. Seeing the excitement in the eyes of one of my students who is nonverbal was absolutely priceless!
Each year we have students that are unable to go due to finances and this breaks my heart. Last year some of us got together and personally funded students but that still left others unable to attend. I truly believe that no student should be unable to attend because of money. Students wait all through their school career to be able to attend as the trip is only for fifth graders. Many at our school are able to afford the trip but some cannot.
The Plan
So here is where you come in. I want to send every fifth grader this year to Sea World - with parent permission of course. Won't you help send one student (or send one hundred students)?
The surprise is twofold. I have gotten the blessing of my administration to make this a true surprise. I have not told the students or the staff. I am hoping to surprise the staff with the news when we know how many students need scholarships. This will happen around the end of September when the first deposit is due.
Then we will let students and parents know right before winter break. I am hoping that those who are able will still pay for their child thus lowering our overall amount needed for scholarships. Regardless, I have seen the generosity of people through Go Fund Me and know that we can reach our goal. Any money left will be seed money for the following year's trip.
School Stats:
-Our school is a Title 1 Tier 3 school
-We have 44% of students that receive Free or reduced lunch.
-We have students that receive clothing assistance through Operation School Bell.
-We have students that have been identified as homeless.
Cost Breakdown:
-$2420 goal*
-$220 per student - total cost of trip
-$70 per student initial deposit due September 28th (Helps determine our numbers so we can order buses)
-There are currently 10 fifth graders in need*
-We always get a few more students during the year.
-These funds would be strictly to pay for the students and associated fees.
-Parent chaperones would still have to pay for themselves.
-Any amount is appreciated.
Well that's it. Thank you for your support and helping me pull off the surprise of the school year! Please join me and Send One Student!
*Amount updated 01/31/2017 to reflect more accurate goal/number of scholarships needed.
Background Story
Shhhh - Don't tell the kids! You are about to be a part of the coolest gift to our students. I can't wait to see the look on their faces. But wait, I am getting ahead of myself.
My name is Karen Kanwhen and I am a special education teacher at Nate Mack Elementary School in Henderson, NV (that’s by Las Vegas ). Each year our fifth grade students take an educational trip to Sea World for two days and one night in April. Yes, it really is educational. Three quarters of the trip is class time and the other 1/4 is free time in the park. As the special education teacher I also go and take any fifth graders from my self-contained classroom. This is a great opportunity for our students. Last year was my first year to go... like ever. I had never been to Sea World. Seeing the excitement in the eyes of one of my students who is nonverbal was absolutely priceless!
Each year we have students that are unable to go due to finances and this breaks my heart. Last year some of us got together and personally funded students but that still left others unable to attend. I truly believe that no student should be unable to attend because of money. Students wait all through their school career to be able to attend as the trip is only for fifth graders. Many at our school are able to afford the trip but some cannot.
The Plan
So here is where you come in. I want to send every fifth grader this year to Sea World - with parent permission of course. Won't you help send one student (or send one hundred students)?
The surprise is twofold. I have gotten the blessing of my administration to make this a true surprise. I have not told the students or the staff. I am hoping to surprise the staff with the news when we know how many students need scholarships. This will happen around the end of September when the first deposit is due.
Then we will let students and parents know right before winter break. I am hoping that those who are able will still pay for their child thus lowering our overall amount needed for scholarships. Regardless, I have seen the generosity of people through Go Fund Me and know that we can reach our goal. Any money left will be seed money for the following year's trip.
School Stats:
-Our school is a Title 1 Tier 3 school
-We have 44% of students that receive Free or reduced lunch.
-We have students that receive clothing assistance through Operation School Bell.
-We have students that have been identified as homeless.
Cost Breakdown:
-$2420 goal*
-$220 per student - total cost of trip
-$70 per student initial deposit due September 28th (Helps determine our numbers so we can order buses)
-There are currently 10 fifth graders in need*
-We always get a few more students during the year.
-These funds would be strictly to pay for the students and associated fees.
-Parent chaperones would still have to pay for themselves.
-Any amount is appreciated.
Well that's it. Thank you for your support and helping me pull off the surprise of the school year! Please join me and Send One Student!
*Amount updated 01/31/2017 to reflect more accurate goal/number of scholarships needed.
Organizer
Karen Kanwhen
Organizer
Henderson, NV