Prologue
Dawn-Thursday
I am sooooo excited! I still can't believe that in only 2 day, 8 students, teachers and baby-sitters will board a plane to Zuni, NM. What are we going to do in Zuni? Work. I'd better explain a little. The local elementary school, Stoneybrook Elementary, is involved with Pens Across America program. It's a program that connects schools across the country and arranges for children to have pen pals. It's a great idea. Stoneybrook Elementary School (known as SES) was paired with the school on a Zuni reservation. The Zunis are Native Americans and have been in the United States almost since confederation. A little while ago, the Zuni school burned down because a gas station near it blew up. Some of the Zuni houses were also destroyed. It was really hard on the kids here in Stoneybrook, so the Baby-Sitters Club arranged a big fundraiser to send them items they needed to rebuild the school, as well a personal items for those who lost their homes. Ms. Besser, the teacher who has been the most involved with the program, called me last week. She said that the PTA had voted to use their extra funds to send 18 people to Zuni to do some maintenance work that was badly needed. Since next week's spring break, the PTA decided to send the group during the break so no one would miss school (rats!). Ms. Besser was calling me because she thought the BSC would like to come along and help work, as well as supervise the children. I talked with the BSC members and it was unanimous-we were all going to Zuni, except Shannon. She was going away with her family during spring break. 3 of the teachers at SES volunteered to go along. Ms. Besser, Mrs. Randolph, who is the nurse at SES, and Ms. Reynolds, the principal. A lot of the students at SES wanted to come, but we had to be selective because we only had room for 8. So we set up an application process. After reading over 50 applications, we managed to narrow it down to Jordan Pike, Byron Pike, Vanessa Pike, Charlotte Johanssen, Jackie Rodowsky, Shea Rodowsky, Haley Braddock, and Buddy Barrett. So now, the BSC, 3 teachers, and 8 kids are headed to Zuni! While we're there, we'll do all sorts of projects like painting and landscaping. We'll also do some fun things, like a big feast at the end of the week and various activities and games. I can't wait!