dfitzo53 Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Two out of the past three years my school (City Neighbors Charter School in Baltimore) has participated in an exchange program with a middle school in Leipzig, Germany. I can't even begin to tell you what a wonderful opportunity this has been for our students. Many of our kids have never been on a plane before. Some have never traveled farther than D.C., a mere hour away. Each year the students spend three days in Berlin touring the city, then three days in Leipzig staying with German families, and then another day in Berlin before flying home. They get fully immersed in a different culture, learn some of the language, and see places they never knew existed. Most of all, more than a few have formed lasting friendships with overseas peers and communicate regularly over the net. Sadly, the program is in trouble this year, even though we have more interested students (13) than we've ever had before. It has always been the policy at our school that no student should have to stay home from a field trip because of financial concerns, and we honor that policy even for this international trip. The approximate cost including airfare, lodging, food, museum admissions, etc. is $1300 per student for 8-9 days abroad. On average, the families have pledged to pay about $800-900 of that cost out of their own pockets. This year our school is scraping the bottom of the barrel to even pay our staff and maintenance costs, but we would hate to see this trip fall through. Please, please consider donating even a small amount to help keep this phenomenal program running. I can't stress enough the benefits of this trip, and that these are deserving young men and women who otherwise would not have an opportunity like this. If we can raise even $300 on Extremeskins it would guarantee another student the chance to go. Raising $4000 would cover the expenses for all 13 students. Every single penny you donate goes straight to the students, nothing is shaved for administrative costs, and all the legwork is done on a volunteer basis by parents and teachers. If you would like to help, you can donate via Paypal to paypal@cityneighbors.org or by sending a check payable to City Neighbors Charter School to ATTN: Germany Trip City Neighbors Charter School 4301 Raspe Avenue Baltimore, MD 21206 Please mark on the check or paypal donation that the money is for the Germany Trip. Below are some pictures of our students and their new German friends from last year's study abroad: The class in Berlin. Four of our students at the Berlin Wall. Visiting the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. It made an enormous impression on the students, especially in the bleak weather. A mix of German and American students trying to get this ancient well to make noise. If you wet your hands and rub them on the brass handles, it makes a sound like blowing across the top of a soda bottle, except considerably louder. Daniel (German) and Anthony (American). Students heading off to explore the Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). Both schools together under a statue of J.S. Bach. Some of the sights our students get to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
techboy Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Sounds like a great program. I know how much travel has widened my perspective and enriched my life. Amy and I are in for $300, so I guess that covers one student. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconTheVillain Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Sounds like a great program. I know how much travel has widened my perspective and enriched my life. +1 I am willing to donate $100 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
techboy Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 For the record, according to the school's donation page, it's a 501© charitable organization, so I think the gifts should be tax deductible for those that itemize. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forehead Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Money is a little tight right now but I'll see if we can dig a little bit up. In the meantime, here's Fitz's real motivation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elessar78 Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 ^^ Meine Gute meine Damen und Herren! Wir haben eine, er, zwei GROSSE Problem! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special K Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Traveling the world has enriched my life and expanded my cultural perspective in so many ways. This sounds like a great program and I'm more than happy to help kids who would otherwise not receive this opportunity. Good luck raising funds, I sincerely hope your school is able to get all these students over to Germany and provide them with an experience they will never forget Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
techboy Posted July 22, 2011 Share Posted July 22, 2011 Traveling the world has enriched my life and expanded my cultural perspective in so many ways. So why do you have a job persecuting those poor people that just want a little marijuana? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. Kaos Posted July 23, 2011 Share Posted July 23, 2011 As soon as Momma Kaos (my CFO) gets home I'll see if we can't give a little. Looks like a great time is had by all, there's nothing quite like travelling the world to open your eyes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special K Posted July 23, 2011 Share Posted July 23, 2011 So why do you have a job persecuting those poor people that just want a little marijuana? Haha. Nah, I'm a tobacco inspector. I persecute people not following federal laws when advertising tobacco products and/or selling them to minors. I don't know why I get sent to so many marijuana warehouses and dispensaries on my inspection lists. Evidently there is such a high density of them in CO, they end up on any list. :ols" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfitzo53 Posted July 23, 2011 Author Share Posted July 23, 2011 I'm sorry I haven't had time to reply yet, we had a death in the family and I've been out of town. However, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Everyone who has contributed is making a big difference for these young people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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