Aveson 4th and 5th graders ask the driving question: how can we make our community better? Some answers came through personal observations, but most dialogue developed after they hit the streets in a series of three field trips. Armed with clipboards and cameras, Aveson students conducted interviews in Old Town Pasadena, photographed their impressions of the city, and explored the library, museums, historical landmarks and parks. The fieldtrips culminated in a presentation to city officials on the steps of town hall.

Among the topics the kids concluded our city needs to work on:
·         Homeless Population/Services
·         Pollution
·         Water conservation
·         Limited/overpriced parking
·         Lack of visual arts

City officials exchanged glances and nodded as the students respectfully introduced themselves and presented their topics of concern.  Aveson students took note when the officials implied many issues were already on their way to being resolved.  Students were then guided through City Hall to the city council meeting room where the formal process of registering complaints and appealing to officials takes place. There is no age limit to speak at town hall meetings, and several kids seemed eager to return to a live meeting in the future.
The most valuable lesson in these field trips was perhaps the realization that all of our voices, regardless of age, will be heard. And in that, there is power to effect a change. All the students' observations and critiques were legitimate, shared concerns that adults they interviewed were expressing as well. The classroom work of discussing and processing their findings, illustrated one of Aveson's guiding principles: when identifying problems, offer strategies and solutions.
These kids did it well!