All parents have similar dreams for their children. For some, they have dreams of their sons being engineers or professional football players. For others, it’s their daughters growing up to be lawyers or doctors. For others still, it’s being the first in their family to graduate from high school or college. As leaders, we too have dreams for our schools, students and community.

I am Kristina Carter, president of Natchez Early College Academy Parent Teacher Student Association. PSTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTSA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. We work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to broaden and enhance our ability to serve and advocate for all children and families.

So, as part of the Natchez Early College Academy curriculum, students, teachers and parents will travel to Washington D.C. and New York City to enhance instructional goals. Students in grades 9-11 will participate in this excursion. The experience will provide first hand historical, scientific, mathematical, and literary background information as outlined in our curricula, as well as provide exposure for our students. The participants will travel by charter bus May 18-22 and stop at the following locations:

Alabama

-Alabama State University

-Alabama State Capitol

-Civil Rights Memorial Center

Washington, DC

-Arlington National Cemetery

(The Pentagon)

-Howard University

-Six Flags America

-Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Mall

New York City

-Statue of Liberty

-National September 11 Memorial

-Times Square

As a part of their college tour portfolio, students are required to keep a travel journal reflecting on the various sites; complete a college tour scavenger hunt at the visited universities; and solve some mathematical equations as they enjoy the rides at Six Flags Great Adventures.

NECA has held several fundraisers to raise the money for this academic excursion. The NECA PTSA is hosting a community wide Kid’s Fun Day to help raise money, so that no child will be left behind. This event will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 7 at the Natchez High School Practice Baseball Field. There will be ticketed rides, jump spaces, dunking booths, concessions and vendor booths. Admission is free. If you would like to rent a vendor booth or volunteer call 601-597-4422 for more information. Donations are always welcome and can be mailed to P.O. Box 464, Washington, MS 39190. You are invited to join in on the fun.

 

Kristina Carter is the president of Natchez Early College Academy PTSA.