SMITHFIELD-- In addition to reading, writing, and arithmetic, students in the Johnston County Schools have added a fourth -r to their list indefinitely-- Relief. Schools across the county are sponsoring efforts to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina, their activities ranging from simply placing cans in convenient places for monetary contributions to supply drives. At Cleveland Elementary School, an effort led by eighth grade Social Studies teacher Cynthia Pinkston, has already netted $123.20 the first day. In addition to containers in the cafeteria for change, a plan to sell bracelets and necklaces at the school's upcoming football games, and candy bags of sweets donated by local grocery stores are all in the works, said Pinkston. An eighth grade Science teacher has issued a challenge and incentive: once the monetary contributions reach $1,000, he will shave his head. Meanwhile, Ms. Pinkston has received a commitment from 50 students to stay after school on Wednesday, September 7 to make posters and help with logistics. A thermometer will be created and placed in the school's front lawn to show the school's progress. "I am so very proud of the students. They are so excited and willing to help," said Pinkston. At West Johnston High School, a supply drive sponsored by the SGA is underway. The drive will be held from September 6 to September 16. Supplies needed include: paper goods: diapers, paper towels, paper plates and cups, toilet paper, etc; cleaning supplies like bleach, Lysol, personal hygiene products; single-serving snacks: Pop-Tarts, NutriGrain bars, granola bars, etc; high-protein canned foods like peanut butter, chili, vegetables, soup, and baby food. The SGA is working with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC to send these supplies to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. For questions, contact MelissaPearce@johnston.k12.nc.us or MelissaAusley@johnston.k12.nc.us. Selma Elementary is sponsoring a "Cents for the Suffering" campaign for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. All proceeds will be given to the American Red Cross. Students will rinse milk cartons and use them to collect change. Funds will be collected daily by students in my fourth grade class. Funds will be collected through the end of September. At East Clayton Elementary School, donations will be collected until Monday, September 12 and sent to the American Red Cross and United Way. The Annex and West Campus central service sites are collecting bottles of water that will be picked up and taken to Louisiana, while the North Campus site is collecting monetary donations for the Johnston County American Red Cross.
