Friday, March 28, 2008

Sixth Floor Museum, Foundation, Ferguson Road Initiative Volunteers rally to bring 160 Dallas students, families to Museum March 29

By Pegasus News wire

DALLAS — Inspired by the words of President John F. Kennedy, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other,” some 160 children, parents, and administrators from Bayles Elementary School will spend Saturday, March 29, at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, 411 Elm at Houston Streets in downtown Dallas. Sponsored by the Ferguson Road Initiative (FRI), a neighborhood restoration organization, students and their families will tour the permanent exhibition, John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation, hear from long-time civic volunteer Edna Pemberton about the importance of voting, and create campaign materials as though the students were running for president. Student volunteers from W.H. Adamson High School, Bishop Lynch, and Episcopal School Dallas will provide assistance and translation during the hands-on activities.

“We welcome this unique field trip,” said Nicola Longford, executive director of the Museum. “It is a wonderful opportunity for these young students and their families to learn about President Kennedy’s well-known calls for civic engagement, volunteerism, and freedom.”

Funded by a local family foundation grant, the FRI/Bayles Family Cultural Field Trip benefits an “at risk” community that would otherwise not be able to afford such an outing.

“Children and parents will spend time with one another, working together on a project and problem solving,” said FRI executive director Vikki J. Martin. “The event will also help parents and teachers develop a positive rapport, let children witness their parents developing a deeper appreciation for the learning process, and give parents a chance to connect with other parents within the school community.”

The visit to the Museum will be followed by stops at Dealey Plaza and Thanks-Giving Square.

Source: Sixth Floor Museum and FRI

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• Ferguson Road Initiative
• Dallas ISD > Dallas ISD Elementary Schools > Bayles