Thanks to the generosity of Edna Brewer Middle School and the dedication of Claremont Middle School's US History teacher, Lacy Lefkowitz, a group of Claremont Middle school students have been invited to join Edna Brewer's annual Washington DC trip.

Claremont has long wanted to provide this educational opportunity to its 8th grade US History students. In fact, this trip will be a perfect pilot program for Claremont's ultimate goal: sending all of its 8th grade US History students on an annual trip to our Nation's Capitol.

A wonderful, heartwarming story of Oakland schools working together to provide opportunities for Oakland students, yes? Yes!

So here's where you come in: We need money.
Ms. Lefkowitz' US History students applied for the privilege of attending this transformative trip, and 7 students were ultimately selected. However, the vast majority of the selected students are unable to afford the cost of the trip. Everyone associated with this trip is committed to ensuring that every selected child is able to take advantage of this educational opportunity.

So we turn to you to ask for help raising $5,000 before our deadline of April 2.
The kids are committed to raising money on their own. So if you live in Oakland, please stop by the fundraising bake sale underneath Rockridge BART going on afterschool every day the week of March 15th to buy sweet treats and support the DC trip.
For those of you who can't make it to the BART station to show your love, please cough up some cash through this online interface (just write "DC Trip" in the dedication line):

I truly believe that in order to have a functioning democracy, we need to have strong public schools. And in order to have strong public schools, we need to have a community that understands the role of the citizenry in our government. I can think of no better way to raise participatory citizens than to send our children on a trip to our Nation's Capitol. Please give generously so our children can have this life-altering experience.

Thank you,
Jean Parker
OUSD parent
Oakland, California