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Scooting for Schools and Education
COACH KEN CARTER SCOOTS FOR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
 
October 24, 2000, Richmond, CA - Coach Ken Carter today announced his plans to travel from Richmond High School to the steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Using only a kick scooter, Carter hopes to draw awareness to the deteriorating state of our schools and a need for students, parents, teachers, and school board officials to commit to making a difference.
 
"Being A Part of the Solution" has been the charge of Coach Ken CarterKen Standing throughout the past two school years and with the beginning of this school year it is no different. As you will recall, Coach Carter made news last year when he locked-out his undefeated Richmond High School Varsity Basketball team in order to push them to improve their grades. Carter not only closed the Richmond High School gym, but he banned all basketball-related activities and was prepared to cancel the entire season program, because 15 of the 45 players were not living up to the classroom achievements they agreed to meet in contracts they signed earlier in the semester.

This year Coach Carter is offering solutions and challenges to make things happen. Carter's latest undertaking is a project he calls "Scooting for School and Education," where he will travel from Richmond High School to the steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento.
 
  • Coach Carter’s purpose of the Scoot centers on his challenges addressed to:
  • Students, to improve their reading and math scores, increase their grade point average (GPA), and assist their teachers in offering them a better education by taking an active role in learning. This will give both the students and their teachers a boost by raising the standards of campus life showing and giving respect to teachers, staff, and fellow students.
  • Parents, to make a special sacrifice and take a more active role in mentoring and volunteering.
  • The Community, for more school involvement through public service, i.e. mentoring, tutoring, beautification, and contributions.
  • School Boards, to work harder at making sure teachers receive the salary increases they deserve for assuring our students become the doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, policeman, congressman, school board officials, etc. Additionally, to do all that they can to reduce class size.
 
Coach Carter stated, "It is very important for people to understand that "Scooting for Schools and Education" is not a fundraiser. The purpose of this project is more important than raising money. It is to raise awareness to our troubled schools not only in Richmond, California, but nationwide. I am scooting for better quality education for all children, challenging our students to obtain the tools they need to become a success in life."

In a question and answer session Coach Ken Carter had the following to say:

Q: When and where will you begin your "Scooting for Schools and Education"?
A: I plan to began my "Scooting for Schools and Education" on Wednesday, November 1, 2000 from Richmond High School, in Richmond, California. Richmond High School is located at 1250 - 23rd Street, Richmond, CA 94804.

Q: What is the schedule for the "Scooting for Schools and Education"?
A: An Opening Ceremony is planned on November 1, 2000, followed by a students and teachers/staff pep rally and send off, at Richmond High. I will be joined by members of my basketball team, who will participate in the first mile of this trip, before returning back to school in time for class. I plan to have a rally on the steps of the Capitol upon my arrival to Sacramento, where I anticipate meeting Governor Gray Davis that Friday morning. To follow my course, and obtain updates of the "Scooting for Schools and Education," visit the official "Scooting for Education and Schools" web site at: http://www.coachcarter.com

Q: How long is the journey for "Scooting for Schools and Education"?
A: The entire trip will take three (3) days. It is 129.4 kilometers (80.4 miles). I am planning various stops along the way, to include visits to other elementary and high schools. Details, as well as tracking data, can be found on the web site.

Q: What will you do to assist in motivating students?
A: I plan to introduce the students, teachers, and parents to a new super hero. First there was Superman, Batman, and Spiderman; now there’s "Mr. GPA!" Fortified to assist students in earning a higher GPA with "101 Ways to Earn a Higher GPA."

Coach Ken Carter continues to search for innovative ways to assist our students in achieving their lifelong goals. Being a part of the solution is the only way to create a positive change. Shouldn’t we join him?