Exchange Students Robbed During Visit, SAISD Needs Community's Help

SAN ANGELO, TX For years, there have been signs on Texas roads urging people to 'drive friendly,' and it isn't unusual for drivers to wave at one other when passing; thus, we became known as the 'friendly state.' Most non-Texans see us, as a whole, as somewhat conservative but hospitable and welcoming. San Angelo, especially, has a reputation of being a 'giving/generous' community. This week, a visiting group of South Korean students suffered an unexpected loss, so educators are hoping the community's generosity will shine through since these students need a little help.

Dr. Lesley Casarez, a member of the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) for Ft. Concho Elementary School and an Assistant Professor at Angelo State University, explained that the San Angelo ISD hosts a foreign exchange student program from Gongju National University of Education in South Korea. They want to be teachers and are participating in a student teaching experience here in the United States. The will be teaching English in Korea. Unfortunately, however, the group experienced a not-so-nice incident.

Casarez explained, "There were 28 students doing their student teaching practicum, and, over the weekend, they went to San Antonio and Austin for a field trip." While out of town, "their vans got broken into and their luggage, laptops, as well as the souvenirs they had gotten to take home with them were all stolen. A lot of people have said that's not what we want them to remember from coming to Texas, so they're trying to recuperate some of those things through donations."

Casarez added, "I'm actually out of town this week, but I've heard that we've already gotten quite a bit of money and other people are wanting to donate as soon as they know kind of what we still need from the community. We've already gotten some really great things, so hopefully this will spread the word."

Casarez also said Ft. Concho took the lead on the donations because the school has the most student teachers on its campus. 

"Out of the 28, they got 10 (students), and I think the others have four or so students at some of the other elementary schools," she said.

The Assistant Professor also said, "I believe the students have only been here since last week and are set to depart on February 18. I think that they're here to learn about the actual educational system in America and just kind of how we do different things here to take some of that back with them. We get a lot of Korean students, and what's really interesting is their same program came over last Spring; I think they only brought 10 or 12 teachers, and it's several this year. There's a lot more of them wanting to come over and learn." 

Casarez reiterated it was a terrible thing that has happened to them, but the community has been so generous by wanting to help them replace what was lost. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated, said Casarez. 

She concluded, "If you'd like to make a donation, make [checks] payable to the Fort Concho PTO." People can either drop donations off at the school or mail them to 310 E. Washington, San Angelo, Texas 76903.