Mr. Kirkland is one of our finest principals, and he continues the tradition launched by his amazing activist predecessor, former MS 113 principal Ms. Colbert, by sending a group of 13-year-olds on a college tour every year. This is a potentially life-changing experience for some students, and a grass-roots effort that has a really powerful, positive impact on our community. $300 will send one student on the tour, but any amount will help. Please read the request Mr. Kirkland circulated below, and please give what you can.

Dear Friend

Over the past eight years we have taken over three hundred fifty boys and girls, ages 11-15, to tour and visit a number of historically black colleges and universities along the east coast. Evidence has shown that these tours, officially named the Ronald Edmonds Learning Center Annual Young Men?s College Tour and Young Women?s College Tour, have made a dramatic, positive impact on the current academic performance, emotional maturity, and educational aspirations of participating students.

Not only do our students receive guided tours of the college campus from college students, but they also have the opportunity to attend classes at several schools. In addition, there are academic and adolescent counseling sessions in which each student receives an action plan for their future. The students also relax by participating in several recreational and educational activities, including bowling, basketball and an aquarium visit in Atlanta. Finally, time is allocated for homework and projects as well.

We are once again looking forward to this year?s trip. We recognize that many of our students and their families may not be in a position to afford this invaluable experience. Due to the current economic streamlining of the New York City Department of Education, we are forced to secure funding from outside sources in order to accomplish this goal. In previous years, the trip had been partially sponsored by private donors and a number of our faculty members. One of the major expenses for these trips is the cost of the chartered buses, $6,993 per bus for five days for two drivers. Our goal is to raise $15,000 to cover the cost of two buses and other expenses such as daily meals ($1,950). Some donors elect to pay a portion of a student?s cost for the trip ($300). This was an excellent way for an individual to support a child without incurring a great financial burden.

We are actively seeking financial assistance. Your tax-deductible donation can be made payable to:

Ronald Edmonds Learning Center (Re: College Tour)

and sent to the school’s address:

300 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205.

In addition some employees may offer to match charitable donations. We are able to provide any additional information if necessary. Once again this experience is poised to touch these students by sparking their potential, widening their aspirations and opening their minds to the reality that they can attend college, and definitely succeed. We thank you in advance for your assistance.