I often hear how children seem to be growing up quickly these days, and I think this is probably true.
Just ask Alvin Kemper’s fifth grade class at Ignacio-Zaragoza Elementary what matters to them.
Kemper asked each student in his class to write a note to President Clinton describing “the most important thing that could be done to improve our community”.
The originals were mailed to the President, but I want to share some of these children’s thoughts about the things that matter to them.
Dear Mr. Clinton,
My neighborhood school is Zaragoza Elementary. It’s so overcrowded. If we had more schools in this neighborhood, the class rooms wouldn’t be so full, and we could have a better chance to learn.
–Erica
Dear Mr. President,
I believe us kids need more teachers so we can get a better education. Mr. President we need more police in our neighborhood, last week there was a drive-by shooting. My ten-year-old friend was shot and almost killed.
–Demetria
Dear President Clinton,
Can we have homes for the homeless people that live on the street? Every morning when I wake up I see homeless people trying to find food in the trash can. I would really like for you to build a shelter or something for these people.
–Patricia
Education, the homeless and crime – do these concerns sound familiar to you?
Examples of even more wisdom and insight from area elementary children are being displayed through June at the Lakewood Library, 6121 Worth, and at neighborhood fast-food restaurants.
The Community Projects Committee of the Old East Dallas Renaissance Coalition initiated a poster contest for students at Fannin, Zaragoza and Lipscomb elementaries, with the theme “Bullets Have No Names”, to discourage the random gunfire often heard in some of our neighborhoods, especially on weekends and holidays.
First place winners were selected for all grade levels by volunteer judges. The winners include: Holly Dy, Claudia Rocha, Fabiola Rodriguez, Alberto Urbina, Alicia Hernandez, Atonia Mendoza, Jordan Pleasants, Gaby Chavez, Fernando Gonzalez, Brendan Pleasants, Shameika Smith and Ana Hernandez.
Make it a point to visit the library to see these posters – they are outstanding. For more information about future projects being planned by the Community Projects Committee, contact Dusty Eagan at 824-4666.
I think just about everyone will agree that if we could make things better for our kids, we would have a better, safer Dallas.
Pediatrician Dr. Bob Smith realized this. Smith donated $1 million, with a challenge to all Dallas residents to each give a dollar to double the amount.
Better Kids – Better Dallas is administered by the Greater Dallas Crime Commission and fund programs to improve the lives of children in Dallas. For information, contact Dina Driver at 965-9005.
