Published: June 20, 2008 08:35 am            

Honor Roll kids aren’t honored

Readers Views

Dear Editor:

After a full year of gold stars on math homework and revising English papers, fifth-grade, honor roll students are disappointed when told they are no longer going to Washington D.C. My brother, Samuel, and other fifth graders have worked diligently to achieve the goals Burnside Elementary set for them. Now the reward trip to D.C. has been taken from them with no alternative. How is that reasonable?

From day one of Samuel's fifth grade year at Burnside Elementary he had been looking forward to the Washington D.C. trip. Before each test, he and other students were reminded to do their best because they had to maintain AB Honor Roll. The eligible students put in extra hours after homework to participate in fundraisers. The students sold pizza mixes and doughnuts, among other items, in order to raise money. The day before school was dismissed for summer vacation, the fifth-graders were informed their long-anticipated trip had been cancelled.

Sam stepped off the bus wearing a frown and he moseyed the length of the sidewalk where he briefly educated me of the cancellation. I read the short letter addressed to parents:

“The fifth grade end of the year trip to Washington D.C. has been canceled due to rising fuel costs and a lack of donations through fundraising effort.”

Immediately my reaction was sorrow for my brother, because I could see the disappointment in his eyes. Secondly, I was angry; these students worked hard to earn their grades, and they worked hard raising money. When I go to work I expect a paycheck at the end of the pay period, these kids should get the reward they were promised, the reward they worked for.

High fuel cost and inefficient charter bus in consideration, I understand the reason for the cancellation, but Kentucky is abundant with day trips Burnside Elementary could take advantage of. Burnside could afford a school bus more easily than a charter bus, and they could travel to Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, Mammoth Cave, The Horse Park, or they could do something as simple as go to Somersplash Water Park here in Somerset.

I find it grossly unjust that the Honor Roll Students are not going to get the opportunity to celebrate their achievements with the long-promised trip to Washington D.C. Each fifth grader put in his or her time and effort into keeping high grades and raising money for the trip. It is unjust the new fifth graders will benefit from the money our fifth graders raised.

If we teach kids, now, that they will not be rewarded for their efforts. How can we expect them to put forth the effort later?



Respectfully,

Katherine Tounge

Sister of a fifth grade student

Burnside, Ky.

        

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