LAKE COUNTY ? To celebrate the successes of their students, Social Skills Academy instructors Krystal Patrick and Barbara Hooten are planning an adventurous getaway to Yogi Bear”s Jellystone Park on Cobb Mountain.
A fundraising effort called “Krystal”s Kids,” is currently under way in order to raise the funds needed to reward the students with the field trip.
“It”s important to reward students for their achievements. Positive reinforcement can improve a child”s attitude and perspective on life,” Patrick said. “Despite the budget crunches we”re seeing in education, we still need to find ways to reward our students.”
On June 1, the winner of a Just Flow Drive Department of Fire N287, collectible reproduction Gear Box Pedal Car will be announced with all proceeds directed toward the trip.
Tickets, priced at three for $5 are available at Lakehouse Inn and Bistro, 14165 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake. You need not be present to win.
“Carol Rowland from Lakehouse Inn and Bistro was kind enough to donate a collectible fire truck for us to raffle off,” Patrick said. “She”s been very supportive and enthusiastic about the project and we”ve already raised about $100 toward our trip.”
The Social Skills Academy is a support program within a school setting that helps students develop social and emotional skills and competence in order to make progress and positive academic growth.
“We like to foster optimism,” Patrick said. “Every little bit counts. I like to tell them ?you never know when something good is going to happen.” Even small improvements in their behavior and social functions are a success.”
Twenty-eight students from East Lake and Lower Lake elementary schools will be accompanied on the trip by 10 adults including parents.
“Including parents in this trip really helps foster that community spirit and unity we strive for in our district,” Patrick said.
Students will spend the day swimming and panning for gold at Yogi Bear Park. Patrick said the trip will be a memorable occasion for the students. “Last year we went to the park in Lower Lake and they had so much fun and they are still talking about it,” she said.
Patrick said that $600 must be raised in order to cover the transportation and facility costs and any thing extra for the children, such as pool toys. The food is being supplied by the Konocti Unified School District.
Cassandra Kennedy, of Lakeport has volunteered her time to serve as lifeguard, which is also cutting the cost of the trip.
“We haven”t told the kids about the trip yet because we don”t want to disappoint them if we don”t raise enough money,” Patrick said. “We have a long way to go but there is still plenty of time for people to get their raffle tickets and support our local students and families.”
In addition to tickets being available at Lakehouse Inn and Bistro, they may also be purchased in the front office at East Lake and Lower Lake elementary schools.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
