Don't forget - school starts earlier this year

OK, I hate to bring school up in the middle of summer but I want to make sure everyone who is planning that end-of-August last hooray vacation knows that school will be starting earlier.

So remember to get all the children's backpacks and supplies purchased before Aug. 24. Make sure to mark your calendars so the children don't sleep in.

For some of us who work in the educational arena, we understand the true importance of extra programs in the schools that most people say are not important.

One of them is the music program at all levels from elementary to high school. It has been proven that incorporating music improves children's development as early as 4 years old.

Some people will never understand the value of extra-curricular programs, like culinary arts and auto class, just to name a few. I am asking the community to help support a new program called, Strings for Schools. It is an idea presented by the Carson City Symphony to help all children who want to play and cannot afford an instrument. Your donations are tax-deductible and will help local children learn the magic of music.

This pilot program will start this year and will try to help accommodate at least 50 students the first year.

Strings in the Schools

When: Starting now for the upcoming school year

Contact: Sue Kitts, 267-6924 or suekitts@charter.net to make a donation

Last Wednesday, I was at Gov. Guinn's office with Jessica Beckman and her sister Jeanette "Jo-Jo." I have worked with these two young ladies for three years now, and until this last March I had never known how strong a child can be when faced with homelessness, loss of a parent, living on her own, struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over her head, working two jobs, raising her younger sister while keeping her grades at a level of straight A's.

It was like being a very proud parent to have had the unique opportunity to write a grant to enable Jessica to go to college. Many people think the homeless children I work with are not motivated and they will not make it through high school let alone college.

I can tell you that when they decide to make their goals, they achieve them out of pure determination and pride. A man contacted the Nevada Appeal to help Ms. Beckman after reading the article in last Thursday's paper about her dreams of going to college and becoming an elementary teacher.

If you would like to help Jessica and other students who need assistance, look below for information.

My son Kyle's senior project established a scholarship fund to help students like Jessica pursue their dreams and educational goals, just as he is doing at the University of Nevada, Reno. The scholarship is managed by Western Nevada Community College. Thanks to Helaine Jesse for opening the scholarship fund.

WNCC's Scholarships

For Students In Need

When: All year long

Contact: Western Nevada Community College 445-3000, Helaine Jesse or send a check to Western Nevada Community College c/o K.Y.L.E. Scholarship, 2201 College Parkway Carson City, NV 89703.

This weekend is the fourth annual Prison Art Show at the Nevada State Prison. The money from this annual event goes to help students at Empire Elementary.

You can find some great one-of-a-kind arts and crafts. Special orders are welcomed. Refreshments are available as you stroll through looking at items.

Nevada State Prison's

fourth annual Art Show

When: 9 a.m.-3p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Nevada State Prison, 3301 East Fifth Street. Public should bring picture ID and do not wear blue jeans. Check and money orders only, no cash.

Proceeds Benefit: Empire Elementary School

n If you would like your information included contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.