By Clintisha Flemming
Benteen Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) member Jenny Geib said it best: “We know that every student comes to the classroom with a different set of world experiences. To ensure that all our students are succeeding academically, it’s important to make sure that everyone has a deep well of experiences to draw on to help them make sense of what they are reading and learning in the classroom.”
This school year, Benteen Elementary School parent organizations made student enrichment a key priority. The goal this school year is to raise money for field trips and enrichment programs for Benteen Elementary School students.
The Benteen Foundation set out three goals for the 2023-2024 school year related to this topic: 1) pay for transportation for field trips; 2) provide food and drinks for “Celebration of Learning” curriculum programs, and 3) apply for grants and funding to create a student enrichment fund.
Principal Dr. Andrew Lovett agrees that field trips outside the classroom expose them to new ideas, places, and ways of thinking. Studies show that field trips have a positive impact on students’ academic performance and motivation. Successful readers can relate what they read to things they experience in their lives. Science or social studies lessons come alive and more relevant through real-world experiences. Each experience that a student takes part in contributes to their understanding of the world and makes them a better learner.
The Benteen Foundation is proud to say that progress has been made towards these goals this year. The fall semester “Celebration of Learning” curriculum 3-night event was a huge success. They provided a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as snacks and drinks. Providing refreshments at after-hour events encourages more attendance and participation from families.
As participants in the Benteen Park Fall Festival, they made connections with local businesses and community members. The Benteen Foundation received cash donations and in-kind donations of supplies for Benteen students.
In October 2023, the Benteen PTO organized a “Penny Wars” fundraiser. Students raised $4,000 and the opportunity to slime Principal Dr. Andrew Lovett. The slime event was livestreamed on the Benteen Facebook Page on Giving Tuesday. The PTO and Benteen Foundation partnered and hoped to continue to raise money for field trips and other experiences.
Dr. Lovett’s mantra for this school year is “B3: Believe in Benteen’s Brilliance!” Students believe and strive towards brilliance every day. Benteen is a Title 1 school, and the Benteen Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that all students, regardless of socio-economic status can explore and experience learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
The Benteen Foundation is grateful to the Benteen PTO and parent volunteers. Together, they are securing funding for students. If you’d like to get involved with academic enrichment efforts, please email benteenfoundation@gmail.com or donate online at https://bit.ly/supportBenteen. Checks can be made payable to Frederick Wilson Benteen Elementary School Foundation and dropped off or mailed to Benteen Elementary School – 200 Cassanova Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
