U VA has a wonderful program called Alternative Spring Break. Instead of doing the "normal" week-long spring break partying in places like Cancun and Negril, many of them seek out places where they can work in a group to provide meaningful assistance to communities. These students earn money all year long to pay all their own expenses. Last March, 14 of them came to Treasure Beach for a week; they worked at Sandy Bank Elementary School, tutoring students. They also did a lot of environmental work at the school. The program was a great success.

Due to their great experience -- and the wonderful reception given to them by Mrs. Moxam and Miss Zane, 24 of them will be in TB from March 4-11. They'll be filling 4Ms Cottage and Fairhill Villas. This group will again be working with Sandy Bank students, as well as helping with environmental matters both at the school and near the TBWG. The Sandy Bank work will concentrate on tutoring especially promising students eligible for scholarships being given by Treasure Beach Foundation (a US-based non-profit); however, they'll be giving individual attention to a wide variety of youngsters from grades 4, 5, and 6.

When you see them walking back and forth to Sandy Bank from Frenchman's, please give these great U VA students a friendly smile -- and let them know how fortunate Treasure Beach is to have them giving special attention to our youngsters.

And, if you want to donate to Treasure Beaach Foundation to help pay for the scholarships for Sandy Bank students, please feel free to mail a check to Treasure Beach Foundation; 11124 Rich Meadow Drive; Great Falls, Virginia 22066. (Any amount is welcome.) We have almost no expenses, so nearly every cent you donate ends up doing good in Treasure Beach.

I am hoping they maybe able to to do some analysis on some of the children, who are in high grades and can barely read or write

Many children was pushed through the system and could not read or write, give advice as to how to deal with the slow learners. A report from the school on this site would be greatly appreciated.

Why are so many children taking buses to different school when we have a primary school at Sandy Bank? what is the school lacking.

I am so happy to hear that students from the University of Virgina will be in Treasure Beach for spring break, to help the student at Sandy Bank elementary school.I think Treasure Beach is fortunate to have these students. My son goes to Purdue University and i would like him to help the students at Sandy Bank elementary also, he might be coming to Treasure Beach in May .

Hey, Lola, I happened to have gone to Purdue myself. Great school, but ~cold~ winters. Brrrr!

-Eric

Good idea, Concerned. I'm not sure the U VA students can do a formal analysis of what's happening -- and not -- at Sandy Bank. However, I'll ask them to note what they observe -- and I'll report their findings back on TB.net after they've had an opportunity to get back to me after their trip. (I'll be in TB while the U VA students are there, but they'll need time to digest things; so, it'll probably be about March 15-20 before you see anything on this site.)

Hey Eric, anywhere winter is it is cold, I happen to visit Purdue University myself and i think it is a Great school. Football season is the best.I know you got a good education at Purdue.Eric are you from Jamaica,please let me know

>Football season is the best.
Heck of a lot better when we're a winning team, though.

>I know you got a good education at Purdue.Eric are you from Jamaica,please let me know

I'm a Jamaican in spirit only. Hooiser by birth, Boilermaker by the grace of Jah

Hey Eric Boilermaker will do good this time around. I'm a Jamaican by birth, staight up from Treasure Beach.

Hello, this is one of the UVA students who will be traveling to Treasure Beach in just one week! I am excited to get back to Sandy Bank and work with the precious students once again. Another volunteer and myself were part of last year's group and are thrilled to bring with us 22 other volunteers this year! We will also be bringing lots of clothing donations to the TBWG, and are so thankful for all of the assistance Karen has offered in the planning of our project. She has started an incredible foundation, and we can't wait to see it grow in the future! We will be posting photographs from last year as well as other information about our group in the coming week, so check back soon!

Hi Abbie, I do hope you have a good time in Treasure Beach, and to all the UVA students. Thanks for having a interest in Sandy Bank elementary school.

All arrangments have been finalized for the U VA students arriving in Treasure Beach this Saturday.

The 24 students will be assisting at Sandy Bank next week. Each U VA student will be assigned to two students from Sandy Bank for the full week -- 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, giving our youngsters intensive one-on-one tutoring. This tutoring will be concentrated on reading, but other subjects will also be covered.

The 10 Sandy Bank scholarship finalists will receive special attention concerning taking their GSAT exams (at the end of March).

Two of the U VA students will also be working with the Peace Corps volunteer at the Treasure Beach Women's Group. This will include a presentation at the TBWG on Wednesday, March 8 at 4 p.m. on "Protecting Yourself from Sexually Transmitted Diseases." There will also be an opportunity for those attending to ask confidential questions.

Finally, two of the U VA students will be working on an organic gardening project at Sandy Bank.

We are thankful these 24 students are coming to Treasure Beach and wish them safe travels and a very successful week.

Everyone at UVA is deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Stevie Moxam. Our condolences go out to the entire Treasure Beach community.

Below, please find some more picture of our volunteers working with the wonderful children of Sandy Bank Primary.

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