Bring the White House to Our House!

Assembly Slideshow

2010-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

The STA student ambassadors from the White House to Our House Program returned from Washington DC last Sunday! Oh, what a trip! It was absolutely perfect from beginning to end. The flights were on time, no-one got sick, or lost or hurt! We stayed at the Embassy Suites, which could not have been any better. The kids can't stop talking about how much fun they had swimming and relaxing in their "apartments" at the hotel. We packed in more sightseeing a in a day and a half than I imagine most people do in a week! Once we landed in DC Friday afternoon, we hit the ground running and didn't stop until we left early Sunday morning. After a brief squabble with the Metro ticket machines, everyone jumped on the train, rushed to the hotel to drop our bags, and then cabbed it to the capitol building just in time for our 3:30 tour. A representative from Keith Ellison's office met us there and gave us a private tour of the capitol. Our whole group even got clearance to enter the House Floor. It was incredible! Keith Ellison's office was so welcoming and gracious with our group. They gave us the royal treatment, and even allowed the kids to sit in Keith's chair and imagine what it would be like to be future representatives of our State! Saturday was all about the White House in the morning, then museums and monuments for the rest of the afternoon and evening. By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted, but the impact of walking the streets of our nation's capitol seeing the amazing monuments that pay tribute to our nation's history was worth every minute of it! Thank you to everyone who contributed time, money and encouragement to make the trip possible. We could not have done it with out you. You have helped to make memories for a lifetime!

Please take some time to look through our photo album from the trip!

The students of the White House to Our House program continue to write letters to President Obama. They are confident that someday soon he will agree to to dine with them in the Banquet Hall!

Joe Campbell Visits for Lunch!

2010-04-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 24 was an exciting day at STA! Not only did Kare 11 TV News visit to shoot 2 "ask the weather guy" segments and a "What's Cool in School" piece on the "Bring the White House to Our House!" Lunch Program, but Joe Campbell from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar's office visited our Banquet Hall.

Joe Campbell spent time with the third graders during their special Kare 11 lunch, and then sat down at our special banquet table with seven of our top 5th and 6th grade letter writers for an elegant, "White House-esque" lunch. The banquet table idea came from Beth and Mai from Lancer Catering, and was beautiful. The table was set with 2 stemmed glasses, one for milk and one for water, real silverware including a salad fork, cloth napkins, linen tablecloth and a beautiful flower centerpiece. Since our students have been practicing their manners and dining behavior since the beginning of the program, they did a wonderful job at the Banquet table with Joe Campbell. Thank you Joe for coming and spending time at our school!

As their elegant lunch was coming to a close, I was sitting at our regular lunch tables trying to get a few bites of my own lunch in before the kindergartners came down to eat. All of a sudden, one of our 6th grade boys stood up from his seat and said, "I'd like to propose a toast!"

I was so curious and intrigued. I had never talked about "toasting" with our students. What he said next just took my breath away.

" To Ms. G . . . Thank you for making this a Banquet Hall and for putting up all the decorations down here. And for letting us write letters to President Obama."

Love, Ms. G

p.s.

I have the best job in the world with the best students in the world. I am so grateful.

p.s.s.

silly picture! (Joe's idea).

KFAI EVENING NEWS!

2010-03-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday, March 22, Connor Molloy from KFAI Radio News visited Sojourner Truth Academy at lunch to check out the "Bring the White House to Our House!" Lunch Program. Connor interviewed me, Ms G, and school director Julie Guy. Mr. Molloy then came downstairs to the Banquet Hall for lunch where he interviewed students about the program and their letters to President Obama.

Last night, March 25, a story about the lunch program aired on the Thursday Evening News.

Click here to listen to the show online. Start at 20:50 minutes in.

Thank you Connor Molloy and KFAI Radio News!

To make a donation to our field trip to The White House, please click here!

Cookie Sale Fundraiser!

2010-03-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

The students in the after-school "Manners & Government Club" have been baking cookies to sell during lunchtime in order to raise money for the "Bring the White House to Our House!" Field Trip.

Check out this video made by some of the third graders!

Creative Fair & Fundraiser: CANCELLED

2010-03-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Creative Fair and Fundraiser scheduled for Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. has been cancelled.

We are planning on re-scheduling the Creative Fair in April or May. The "Bring the White House to Our House!" Fundraiser is cancelled indefinitely. Our fundraising deadline for the White House field trip is April 1, 2010.

Click here to make a donation online!

Yikes!! I finally made it!

2010-03-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

I certainly am feeling the generational difference between me and those young enough not to know the world before personal computing as I try to figure out how to get to the blog today. I am embarrassed to tell how long it took me, but now I'm finally here!

Last week was a special week in the hearts of librarians (don't believe I've mentioned it, but I am one). It was Dr. Seuss' birthday, and I brought Green Eggs and Ham to read aloud during lunch. the kindergarteners and second graders enjoyed it very much, and responded enthusiastically to the rhyming scheme. I, of course, enjoy the heck out of reading aloud(speaking of ham) to anyone who will listen! And I want every caring adult in the United States--O.K., the world!--to know what fun it is and how easy it is to read to children. It doesn't have to be dramatic and it doesn't have to be long(10 minutes a day is fine, 20 is better). And it will make children better readers! Try it, it will refresh you!

I told all the students I saw about how much I enjoyed their Black History Month presentations the week before. You should have seen them! From kindergarten on up, they have a great sense of anticipation and pride as they gather on the stage to show their drumming, dancing, singing and reciting knowledge about great leaders to a packed house. And it was most appropriate, I thought, that the older fraternity brothers came and contributed their spirit to the proceedings. Of, course, the credit also belongs to their teachers who work so hard in rehearsal and back stage. Mostly you don't see them, but you see the results of their efforts and attention in how the students smile proudly and scramble intently to get their cues right. My sister was a teacher and did theater with grade school students. You wouldn't believe how much work it takes to get everyone to step on their right foot on cue at the same time!

I asked about the visit from the Timberwolves player went. One student told me that he learned from him how he learned to play basketball and how important it is to think about and make your dreams come true. This was a theme also from the lunch visit with the mayor: how to sit and make a picture of your dream in your mind. I do so enjoy learning from these students.

I must say, even some of the older students who are still figuring out what it means to be a mature person suddenly developed more poise when Minneapolis city council president Babara Johnson visited and had lunch with them. Some of the boys went up and introduced themselves and one table of girls engaged in conversation with her. So good to see this practice happening. I wish they could see themselves as they are practicing this more self-aware, more attentive behavior.

The second graders are still asking for stories! Since they don't always get to write letters, and since they've asked, I will bring more stories. I can't wait!

Fourth grader D., who wrote to President Obama that he wants to see things in stores cost less so that people who don't have homes can afford them, and who asked me to read with him a book about President Obama's campaign the first week I volunteered, has been looking happier at lunch time. I want to send the students like him to Washington to meet the president. Please make a donation today, then read to a child in your life. Thank you!

Barbara Johnson Comes for Lunch

2010-03-10T18:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, 4th ward City Council President Barbara Johnson visited us for lunch! She ate lunch with our 5th and 6th graders, and the moment she walked into the Banquet Hall many of our students did a double-take and then had a huge smiles on their faces. On the walls of the Banquet Hall, I've put of pictures of the people we are inviting to lunch: President Obama, Michelle Obama, Senator Klobuchar, Senator Franken, Congressman Keith Ellison, etc. I also have pictures of the people we have already invited to lunch and who are planning on coming: 5th ward City Council member Don Samuels, State Senator Linda Higgins, Representative Bobby Joe Champion, and Barbara Johnson.

Our students saw Barbara Johnson, looked back at her picture on the wall, and then realized that someone we had written letters to was actually here!

Barbara Johnson ate lunch with some of our 6th grade girls, checked out a card game our 6th grade boys were playing, and then mingled with both of our 5th grade classes. She noticed how kind they were and complimented their manners. Yeah!

And she made a $100 contribution to our program from her Volunteer Committee. Thank you Barbara Johnson. We really appreciate your support and your visit. Thank you for honoring the hard work of our students!

We are still raising money to send some of our students to The White House. The more money we raise, the more students we can take. Please help our students follow their dreams to D.C.

To make a donation online click here.

Ryan Hollins = Great Man, Great Player

2010-03-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Ryan Hollins from the Minnesota Timberwolves visited Sojourner Truth Academy. The day was magical! Our students had been looking forward to Ryan's visit the entire week. After I showed them the video announcing that Ryan was coming, the responses I got were priceless: "Ms. G, I saw you on that commercial!" "Ms. G, were you really talking to Ryan on the phone?" "Ms. G, you were on TV." "Ms. G, when is Ryan coming?" Most of these responses were from our kindergartners, since that is where I spend most of my time. However, I did get a lot of positive feedback on the video from our 5th graders. They want to help me make another video about our program.

Ryan was scheduled to come at the very end of our day. So, on Friday, I think around 2 p.m., 2 camera crews showed up in advance, along with the PR team for the Timberwolves. The students who were waiting in our lobby area were wide-eyed with huge smiles. FSN sports actually filmed some of their show on our campus! And some of our students got to be part of the broadcast. When I have a link to the video, I will post it.

The students in my after school group did a great job making welcome signs for Ryan, as well as a special reserved parking sign. And a couple days before Ryan's visit, I asked our students to submit questions they might have for Ryan. Many of our students submitted thoughtful questions and I chose 5 of them to read them to Ryan at the assembly. These 5 questions showed both heart and smarts, and were representative of all the questions that came in.

1. What inspires you to play basketball?

2. Who is your idol or hero?

3. What was school like for you? Were you a class clown or a geek?

4. If you were not a basketball player, what other career would you choose?

5. What three things can we do as kids to be successful in the future like you?

So, while our students and teachers finished up the last parts of their day, Ryan finished up practice with the Timberwolves. Our whole school is so grateful to Ryan for making time for our students. He came right after practice, spoke to our students, and then played 35 minutes in Saturday's game and finished with 14 pts, 7 reb. Way to Go Ryan!

When Ryan entered our gym, the students gawked with excitement. Had they ever seen someone 7 feet tall? Had they ever met an NBA player?

I passed the microphone to Ryan and he took over the assembly like a pro. He was charming, captivating, and inspiring. He told his story, how he made it to the NBA. And the true story that he told was not one with an easy path, but one full of hardships, disappointments and Ryan's refusal to give up on his dreams.

He said (paraphrased):

Do you think that I made my high school basketball team my freshman year? No.

Did I believe in myself and my dreams to play in the NBA? Yes

Do you think that I was heavily recruited out of high school by all the big name schools? No.

Did I believe in myself and in my dream to play at UCLA? Yes

Now, when I got to UCLA, do you think I was the best player? (Our students finally caught on, and answered No.)

Ryan continued his story of how he met his challenges with a positive attitude and a steadfast belief in himself. He talked about his father being his hero, and feeling grateful for having his dad in his life. Ryan told our students that if he was not a basketball player, he would probably be a history teacher! (I think all our teachers were thrilled to hear that!) Ryan graduated in 4 years from UCLA with a degree in History. (made the Athletic Director's honor roll in Spring , 2005)

As the school buses began lining up outside, Ryan wrapped up his talk and wished our students well. I then announced to our school that Ryan and the Timberwolves brought us a special gift... 1,000 tickets for the Timberwolves vs. Spurs game on Friday, March 12th at the Target Center, 7 p.m. The entire gym erupted with excitement! We then showed Ryan our "Whose House / Our House!" Cheer and said good-bye.

The day was magical!

It only takes one person to make a lasting impression and make a difference in a child's life. Ryan Hollins was that person for many of our students on Friday. We are so grateful to Ryan and the entire Minnesota Timberwolves organization for the generosity and kindness shown to our school. Ryan is an outstanding role model, athlete, and person. Thank you!

Love, Ms. G

P.S. We were just notified yesterday (Monday), that Ryan Hollins was so touched by our students and their good behavior, that he is going to buy our school brand new basketball hoops! Thank You Ryan! The timing is perfect . . . one of the rims broke yesterday :-)

If you would like to make a donation to our program and help us send students to The White House, please visit GiveMN.

NBA Player Ryan Hollins to Visit on Friday

2010-03-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

Ryan Hollins, center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is visiting Sojourner Truth Academy on Friday! Ryan is coming to talk to our students about his background, following your dreams, and the importance of education and to inspire our students to continue their quest to "Bring the White House to Our House!"

Watch the Timberwolves play the Mavericks tonight and cheer Ryan on!

Timberwolves @ Mavericks: 7:30 tonight, American Airlines Center

TV: FSSW Radio: ESPN/103.3 FM, KFLC/1270 AM (Spanish)

Video: Hear Ms. G read the letter from President Obama

2010-02-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day President Obama

2010-02-23T19:21:00.000-08:00

I have an after school group called "Manners and Government Club." As boring or lame as it might sound, it is actually a lot of fun, and students are frequently requesting to join! I try and remember to smile about that on the more difficult days.

At the beginning of February, I brought supplies in for making Valentine's Day Cards with the M&G Club. The students were so excited when I showed them the GLITTER! Students made Valentine's Cards for their parents and families, and also lots of cards for President Obama. I hung the the ones for President Obama up in the Banquet Hall. (see below)

I do a lot of planning and activities for the program and I find the work very rewarding. However, sometimes I am rewarded by things that I do not plan, which is the MOST rewarding. Does that make sense? Let me explain...

On Friday, February 12, many classes at our school, including the kindergarten class that I work in, had Valentine's Day parties in the afternoon. I was passing out cards to our kindergartners, when two 5th grade boys entered the room and showed me a HUGE Valentine that they had made for President Obama! I was so thrilled by their creativity and so proud of them. At the bottom of their poster, they thanked President Obama for sending us the letters and pictures. It was the best (and only) Valentine's Day I've day I've ever an in Minnesota!

P.S. I sent the Valentine's and the poster to President Obama at the White House on February 15th. A little late, but full of love! Love, Ms. G

Letters to the President

2010-02-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

The students at Sojourner Truth Academy have reached another letter writing milestone: 2,500 letters to President Obama. We've been writing letters to President Obama since Dec. 1, 2009. Our students are writing between 40-160 letters a day to President Obama about issues that are important to them such as life in the White House, school bullying, dreams for the future, and Haiti disaster relief. Our students are exercising their power as young citizens of this country by asking the President to help a “grandma without health insurance”, give “every family a home,” and to “keep school cool.” The letters are unique and heartfelt, and ultimately end with the same desire: “President Obama, will you please come to lunch at our school?”

On Feb. 9, 2010, we received mail from President Obama. To read more about it, click here!

We've been sending all these letters and you may wonder what happens to the letters once they reach 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Well, here's a video from the White House detailing the whole process.

Here's a hint: President Obama reads 10 letters from the public every day!

Letters FROM the White House!

2010-02-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

After sending 2000+ letters to President Obama, STA students finally get to hear from him!

This morning, 5 manila envelopes addressed FROM the White House appeared in our mailbox! I was so excited that I could hardly keep my fingers from tearing them open. My heart began to beat a million miles an hour at the sight of those magical words, THE WHITE HOUSE, peaking out from under the usual stack of curriculum catalogs and utility bills. It was like Christmas! It was was like waking up to a letter from Santa Claus -the real Santa Claus, not some scary mall Santa.

For months, STA students have been filling page after page with their dreams, their affections, their fears and concerns. Through their letter writing, the students have developed a relationship with President Obama. They have gotten to know him. They have gotten to know his family, the people he works with, what he cares about, and what he stands for. They have confided in him and invited him into their world to see, first hand, how, inspired by his leadership, they are working together to bring about change in their own lives. This program has become about so much more than just writing letters...our students are finding their voices as young leaders. It's a beautiful thing.

Since December 1st, STA students have dutifully and lovingly decorated, addressed and mailed hundreds of letters every week to this mythical place called "The White House." Was it possible that THE WHITE HOUSE had actually written them back? The official White House envelopes looked so understated, so matter of fact, so...real. It was very encouraging.

When Ms. G and I opened up the first envelope, we found the best present ever...confirmation that our students' letters had been read by the Commander in Chief!

I have no idea if his was a hand crafted response or a boiler plate letter the White House sends to all school children that write in, but it sure seems to speak to the heart and determination of our kids. "America needs young people like you who are studying hard in school, serving your community, and dreaming big dreams. Our country faces great challenges, but we will overcome them if we work together." Thank you Mr. President, I agree.

Way to go STA! You rock!!

We also got an autographed pic of Mr. President Obama himself and a dashing portrait of the First Dog, Bo. :)

Handwriting Award & SMART HEART Award

2010-02-06T11:30:00.001-08:00

At last Friday's Assembly (2-5-2010), I introduced two new awards in the "Bring the White House to our House!" lunch program.

1. The Handwriting Award

2. SMART HEART Award

Our students have been writing letters to President Obama inviting him to come have lunch at our school, Sojourner Truth Academy, since December 1st. In the beginning, our students were writing between 30-50 letters a day. After a couple weeks, the number of letters grew to 40-80 letters a day. In the last week of January, our students were averaging OVER 100 letters a day as a school!

Each night, I take the letters home and read them. No doubt, it makes for long days. However, no matter how tired or crabby I am, reading and counting the letters re-energizes me and reminds me why I am doing this. The letters are humorous, heartfelt, compelling and profound, and I can see the growth in the letters the students wrote in December to the letters they wrote in February.

After reading over 2,000 LETTERS, a couple things have caught my eye. One, is handwriting; and two, is thoughtfulness. The Handwriting Award is quite self-explanatory. Students who are consistently mindful of their handwriting and letter layout are up for this award.

I created the SMART HEART Award to acknowledge students whose letters show both depth of thought and heart. Our students write about important issues of our times: homelessness, joblessness, poverty, and Haiti Disaster Relief. Some of these letters move me to tears, while others leave me in utter awe.

I wanted to post one letter in particular that inspired me to create this award. This letter is written by a 5th grader:

"Dear President Obama,

"I am writing this letter to tell you about a concern and issue of America.

"As you know their was an earthquake in Haiti, and America is sending funds to Haiti. Well, on January 30, 2010 I watched the Miss America pageant and the question selection , and one question was 'America is in a hard spot already, why should we send our money to Haiti?'

"Then it dawned on me that people are thinking about themselves and not of others meaning if more people do that little money will be sent and that will make you look bad.

"We the people to form a more perfect nation ask you our President to help us."

Yes! One STA Student is Going to the White House....$1,110 Donated

2010-02-06T11:08:00.000-08:00

My morning routine and night routine is as follows:

1. Check Sojourner Truth Academy Email

2. Check "Bring the White House to Our House!" Website

3. Check "GiveMn.org" Fundraising Website

When I went to bed last night, we had raised $410 dollars for our trip to the White House, where STA students will deliver a special lunch invitation from our school for President Obama. When I woke up this morning and visited "GiveMn.org" our fundraising total had more than doubled over night! We have now raised $1,110 dollars, ensuring that we have the funds to take at least one student to Washington D.C. on March 19-21.

My heart is singing songs of praise and gratitude for those who have connected with our students and our story. Thank you for believing in the hopes and dreams of our young leaders. We are all in this together and I know we can "Bring the White House to Our House!"

Love, Ms. G

Sojourner Truth Academy's Lunch Program Invites President Obama to Eat in School's 'Banquet Hall' -- MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ --

2010-02-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

Sojourner Truth Academy's Lunch Program Invites President Obama to Eat in School's 'Banquet Hall' -- MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ --

Hooray for books!

2010-01-30T08:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that photos of students' activites are posted on the blog! It gives me a glimpse of their activites on the days I'm not there. And I try to picture the students' days. Thanks Nicole!
The third grade had the trophy for manners this week. One of the boys proudly showed it to me. Another picked it up and held it on his shoulder like a baby.
I asked some of the 6th grade boys why they don't write letters. One told me that some kids write them at home. Another told me that it was impossible to catch up to the students who had written lots of letters. A third told me that lunch was his time to be social. Many of the 6th grade boys do play a card game, a role-playing similar to Dungeons and Dragons. That's another conversation for which I wish we'd had more time. I'll look for a chance to pick it up again next week. I'd like to tell the one student that the numbers goal is up to him.
I started lunch on Wednesday with a couple of the 4th grade girls. I noticed a kindergartner being particularly helpful, so I went to find him and give him a purple pride slip. Others at his table invited me to sit with them, so I promised to come back. On the way, I stopped to talk with some other students and by the time I got back, the rest of my lunch had been bussed. At least they're cleaning up. You've got to move quickly to keep up with these students!
I had brought a book on bullying to read to the 2nd grade. They were very engaged, both boys and girls, and wanted to show their knowledge-(things to say and do: Stop! Get away! Tell someone!) They had examples of people in their lives who had been bullied, and from their own experience. some of them have asked if I could read to them every day. I told them, maybe once a week (I'm only there 2 days a week.)
I finished that day with two 5th grade girls(and a second protion of lunch, provided by the very kind lunch ladies Tre and Mai--I hope I've spelled your names correctly). One of the girls stated that the 5th grade was the worst, maybe referring to the fight the previous week. I just listened. this is another conversation I'd like to follow up on.

Dress in Your White House Best!

2010-01-29T21:45:00.000-08:00

At the Friday assembly this morning, I made an exciting announcement: The "Dress in Your White House Best!" Competition is starting! Whichever Grade Level writes the most letters this week will WIN a non-uniform day. Students can leave their blue STA shirts and khaki pants at home for one day and dress in their White House best. One student told me today that when the 1st grade wins, he is going to where a black vest. I will be sure to have my camera ready on that day.

So far, our students have written 1,454 letters! It is phenomenal, and letter writing is now a phenom

enon at our school. This week, one fifth grade student wrote 35 letters IN ONE DAY! What a great accomplishment for him. And another 4th grade student has joined the 100+ letter club. So far, there are two 4th grade students in this club.

Our fundraising efforts are underway. We are short on time, but not short on hope or enthusiasm. Please support our journey to "Bring the White House to Our House!" and make a donation online through GiveMN.org or through the mail.

Please make checks payable to Sojourner Truth Academy and send to:

Sojourner Truth Academy

c/o Ms. G

3820 Emerson Ave. N

Minneapolis, MN 55412

Thank you so much! Love, Ms. G

Field Trip to Wells Fargo

2010-01-27T20:17:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, 3 STA students had the opportunity to visit Chris Rogers at the nearby Wells Fargo, 4141 Lyndale Ave. N.

Who is Chris Rogers you might ask?

Chris is a former NFL player (Vikings; Seahawks). He graduated from Howard University in Washington D.C. He works at Wells Fargo as a personal banker and Community Business Specialist.

In early January, I stopped by the bank and while waiting in line, I started talking to Brain Kruschke, the branch manager. I just so happened (wink*) to have a few flyers about our lunch program "Bring the White House to Our House!" I talked to Brian about the program and $ donations. Brian gave me Wells Fargo's donation request info (aka lots of hoops and red tape AND he introduced me to Chris, who has a heart of gold! flyers

Two Fridays ago, Chris visited STA as our inspiration guest speaker for our Friday morning assembly. Chris' theme: "You Gotta Believe!" He talked to our students about the importance of education and of never giving up on yourself or your dreams. Since he is from Washington D.C., he was the perfect person to talk to our students about representing themselves well when we travel to the White House in March. Chris was also there for my announcement: OUR GOAL = 1,000 LETTERS by January 31st.

That very day at lunch, I gave our students the opportunity to write a letter to Chris. Many students were of course interested in his NFL career! They also thanked him for coming to to the assembly and invited him to come to STA for lunch in our Banquet Hall so they could get to know him better.

SO, yesterday I took 3 very special students to Wells Fargo to DELIVER the packet of letters to Chris. Two of the students (4th graders) wrote letters to Chris, and the other student (5h grader) wrote 20 letters to President Obama in one day!

The students were nervous before we left. Sweaty palms and butterflies. So, while we waited, I taught them how to make a great first impression: a good handshake. We practiced until it became natural and then piled into the car with the letters and headed up the street to the bank...

When we arrived, the students were shy but smiling! Chris and Brian welcomed us and greeted each student with a handshake. "That's a strong handshake," they commented to our students. I was beaming inside and so proud of all three of them!

Chris invited them into his office and fielded questions like the pro that he is, and asked a few too. However, when Chris brought up Beyonce and Brittney as possible singers to look up to, he struck out: too dated, I guess. And before we left, Brian gave each student a Wells Fargo Wagon piggy bank and said, "Once you fill this up, bring it back in and we'll set up a college fund for you."

One student informed me at lunch today that she already has 55 cents in college bank.

Thank you Chris, Brian, and Wells Fargo for inspiring our students, mentoring this community, and spreading the joy. "You Gotta Believe!" and "We Do!"

Love, Ms. G

The Voices of Our Students Must Be Heard

2010-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

In President Obama's January 23 Weekly Address, the President vowed that "as long as I'm your President, I'll never stop fighting to make sure that the most powerful voice in Washington belongs to you."

This is what "Bring the White House to Our House!" is all about! Our students have written over 1,000 letters to President Obama inviting him to visit STA and eat lunch with our students. Their voices must be heard! Since the beginning of this program (Dec. 1, 2009), I've been telling our students that the U.S. government is "for the people, by the people." The President, the members of Congress, the City Council members, all work for you and for us. And they will not know how best to do their jobs unless we tell them what we want and need.

The students at STA want President Obama to come for lunch. They want him to see their fabulous "Banquet Hall," and their respectful manners, and they want their voices heard.

Differences settings for lunch

2010-01-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

It was nice to meet Ms. Jackie on Tuesday. She is our latest and greatest volunteer. She came to lunch with Brother John. It will be especially nice to have her since Brother John has to take two trips over the next 2 weeks. We will miss him!

Ms. G. made sure to let us know that, though it may be hard for us to tell, we volunteers are making a difference at lunch. Personally, I'm having a good time meeting and learning from the students. And I have noticed that many of them are learning to have more polite conversations (with fewer interruptions and a less loud tone of voice).

I asked about the sixth graders and how their trip to the University had gone last week. Ms. G. told me that they were on another trip. Later I found out that they were doing service in honor of Martin Luther King Day. They had helped prepare meals for the homeless. I am very impressed!

I finally got to hear about this and the University trip on Wednesday. The girls disagreed some about College Lunch. Some thought it was awful and some thought it was O.K. (One of the boys thought it was "Great!".)They had observed a class that was learning about basketball. They also did a pencil and paper activity that seemed to involve deciphering words and their postions on the paper. I thought it sounded like a rebus puzzle of some sort. No one seem to understand the point of the activity but they seemed intrigued by their peek into college life.

Ms. G. had a book for me to read to the second grade boys. When I sat down and showed them the book, 2 students immediately cheered! The book was about generosity and sharing. We talked about some of the things in the book as we read it. Two students asked for a book about "good violence" or "non-violence". I told them I would find one for them. They also checked their map placemat and were very interested to find Haiti.

Two of the 5th grade students unraveled completely toward the end of lunch and let their angry feelings fly. Two more almost did. Most of the students stayed in their seats and more or less continued what they were doing. Well, I thought, no one learns their manners in a straight upward curve.

WHOSE House? OUR House!

2010-01-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

Every Friday at the morning assembly Ms. G. gives the students an update on how many letters they've written, reviews the Monday Manners lesson, and rewards the class that had the best behavior in the lunchroom during the week with a travelling trophy. We start with a chant to get the kids pumped up! They LOVE this! So far the students have written 940 letters to President President Obama and other government officials!

So How Was the Trip?

2010-01-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

This has been a shorter week due to the field trip. But more about that later.

We had 2 new volunteers this week, Brother John and Emmett. Brother John admitted to being a little overwhelmed by the energy of the children streaming into the banquet hall. But he was very nice and enthusiastic. Emmett is also very nice and has a mischievous glint in his eye. Maybe we should keep him away from the second grade!

Speaking of the second grade, at least one of them remembered our talk about Abraham Lincoln and brought it up to me. I was glad to hear this almost a week later! Another of the boys, who eats his lunch with great gusto, usually standing up, was enjoying his oranges on Tuesday. His usual eating style caused him to discover right away how juicy the oranges were. I helped him clean up. After I had gone over to another table, he came and told he that he wanted some more napkins to clean up. I coached him on how to ask for them politely. When he returned for still more napkins, he remembered how to ask politely and I rewarded him with one of the purple pride tickets (RESPECT in Atitude, Actions and Words) that we are using to acknowledge students' manners. He did a happy dance as he filled in his name and grade.

One of the sixth grade girls told me about their field trip. On Wednesday, they planned to go visit the University of Minnesota,visit some classes in session and have college lunch. Ms. G. cancelled the volunteers for Wednesday because she was going to accompany them. I can't wait to hear about their trip next week!

2010-01-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

My first week volunteering at Sojourner Truth School

2010-01-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Wow! I've been enjoying meeting lots of students at Sojourner Truth School during my first week as a volunteer lunch mentor. Some of them know me from my job at the public library, where I am a childrens' librarian. I've been learning about the lunch time routine and we are all practising our manners. We also have some books to read with beautiful pictures of the White House in the past and in modern times.
On Wednesday, I had part of my lunch with some of the second grade boys. We started talking about what kinds of things you would say in a letter to the president. One boy asked what the beds in the White House were like. I told him about the Lincoln bedroom, and how tall President Lincoln was, and how he would probably need a big bed. The students then asked me questions about how President Lincoln was shot, and I told them what I knew about the story. It was a very interesting discussion and the students asked good questions.
I will be at Sojourner Truth on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during lunch. I'm looking forward to it!--Ms. Cathy

Class Albums

2010-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

It is our first week back from Winter Break and our letter writing continues with more focus and enthusiam than ever before. Over break, STA students wrote a total of 90 letters to the White House! Our top letter writer wrote an amazing 33 letters alone! In her letter she expressed to President Obama how much she LOVES writing letters.

Today we are sending out three hefty packets of letters. Ms. Julie’s and Ms. Kelly’s kindergarten classes each are sending a class book of letters that are bound with their class picture on the front. Ms. Lecher’s first grade also has a class packet full of lunch invitations and illustrations. One first grader wrote, “Come to our school. We have good manners.” Another said, “Have a good Christmas. Please Obama I love you and will you come to see us? Yes or No.”

There is also a packet containing letters from the entire school. One student made President Obama a beaded bracelet and attached it to her letter.

One thing that really excites me is how much writing the students are doing. With special stationary and letter templates, they are wanting to write letters. The practice of writing is what it is all about! Have a wonderful day. Love, Ms. G

"Bring the White House to Our House!"

2007-01-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

Volunteers needed immediately!

• Fundraising! Donate money so we can send 10 students and 5 chaperones to the White House on March 19th. One Student= $700. Total Goal: $10,500. Join our fundraising/events committee asap to make this trip possible.

• Letter-a-Thon Sponsor: You pay $___ for each letter our students write on a certain day, week, or month. Our students are working very hard and are writing 30-80 letters a day!

• Be a Lunch Mentor! Help us practice our manners and write letters. Free lunch provided!

• Spread the word! “Bring the White House to Our House!” Sojourner Truth Academy.

To learn more about this program and how you can get directly involved, please contact Mary-Eileen Gallagher (Ms. G) at 612-588-3599 x 241 or mgallagher@sojournertruthacademy.org • 3820 Emerson Ave N. Minneapolis, Minnesota. 55412

2007-01-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

Sojourner Truth Academy
3820 Emerson Ave N.
Minneapolis, MN 55412

phone: 612.588.3599

fax: 612.588.0217

school website: www.sojournertruthacademy.org

"Bring the White House to Our House!" website: www.whitehouse2ourhouse.org

Contact Mary-Eileen Gallagher / Ms. G at: mgallagher@sojournertruthacademy.org

"Bring the White House to Our House!"

2007-01-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

Our motto at Sojourner Truth Academy is "where the only thing going on is learning," and now that includes during lunch!

When our 2009-2010 Lutheran Volunteer Corps fellow, Mary Eileen Gallagher aka Ms. G., arrived at Sojourner Truth in August she was assigned to monitor the lunchroom as part of her responsibilities. Unsettled by students fighting, crying, throwing food, and complaining about being bored during their 20 minute lunch period, she took our school motto to heart, drew upon her childhood experiences, and created a program called “Bring the White House to Our House!”

Ms. G. recalled how she learned manners as a child. During family dinners, her mother would say, tapping her finger: “Elbows off the table and chew with your mouth closed, or you will not be invited to the White House!” Ms. G.'s mother insisted on good behavior and respect “just in case,” she said, “the President of the United States ever invited us to the White House for dinner.” Ms. G. decided to use the same idea at Sojourner Truth Academy, but with a twist! We would invite the White House to OUR House for lunch.

In preparation for hosting President Obama, our students are hard at work transforming the cafeteria and themselves. The theme is "Lunchtime at Sojourner Truth Academy is Like Dining at the White House." The basement lunchroom is now a White House-esque “Banquet Hall” with a decorative chandelier, wall sconces, college posters, student art, faux windows, educational placemats, and pencil bouquets. Students are also practicing manners, discipline, and social etiquette. On Manners Monday in the Banquet Hall they learn a mini-manners lesson, such as “Say YES the First Time, Not the Last Time,” “Please and Thank You,” “The Lunch Table is Not a Park Bench,” “The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword,” and “The Shake It, Don’t Break It Handshake.” These life lessons are empowering our students to make good choices, allowing them to become leaders among their peers, and strengthening their self-esteem.

When the students finish eating they are encouraged to use the remaining time to write letters to President Obama and other government officials. Through this experience our students are finding their voice and learning to exercise their power as young citizens in this country. They are writing about issues that are important to them—family life, immigration, gang violence, lunch food, and self-improvement. They are inquiring about life in the White House, presidential duties, and the lives of Malia and Sasha Obama. They are asking President Obama if he can help a grandma without health insurance, give every family a home, end the war the war in Iraq, and “keep school cool.” Ultimately, the letters all end with the same desire: “President Obama, will you please come to lunch at our school?”

By focusing on respect and civic participation, “Bring the White House to Our House!” brings structure to lunchtime, learning to the "Banquet Hall", and unites our students around a common goal: to host a lunch for President Barack Obama at Sojourner Truth Academy.

Our students are passionately writing 30-80 letters a day! For each letter a student completes, he or she earns a "Ticket to the White House." A raffle in March will decide which student(s) will travel to Washington D.C., tour the White House, and deliver a special lunch invitation from Sojourner Truth Academy to President Obama. Our fundraising dollars will determine the number of students we are able to take to the White House. The approximate cost to send one student is $700.00. Our goal is to send 10 students and 5 chaperones to Washington D.C. on March 19, 2010. We need to raise $10,500.