Henrico students learn about the census

The students in Randy Jones' fourth-grade class received a welcome break yesterday afternoon as 2010 Census workers delivered bags of goodies.

The workers' mission: to impart the importance of next year's census on some of the youngest to be counted.

About a dozen census workers, some from Kentucky who were in Richmond on other business, converged on eastern Henrico County's Arthur Ashe Jr. Elementary School to reach out to the students and staff members. The event was facilitated by Brenda Lee Steppe, a Virginia partnership specialist for the 2010 Census.

"[We want] to get that message across to the staff and students that the 2010 Census is forthcoming, and we need to make sure everyone is counted one time in the right place," said Bernadine Anthony, the Virginia partnership team leader for the 2010 Census.

Jones' students excitedly waved hands to get the attention of the workers who handed out their bags containing a water bottle, a magnet and a notepad, among other items.

Teachers and staff members at the school received a canvas bag with their own surprise inside -- magnets, a presentation about the census, a window decal and other items.

Jones said he discussed the census with his students during social studies.

Dana Moore, the school's principal, said it was an easy decision when asked to be a part of the Census in Schools program.

"I don't think a lot of people realize the importance of the census," Moore said. "By not filling out the survey, not answering the door, we do our communities a disservice because those are the actual dollars . . . that go right back into the schools, and that's what we need so desperately."

The census, which is conducted every 10 years, determines how political districts are drawn as well as how more than $300 billion is distributed annually for such projects as roads, schools and hospitals, "the facilities that are important to make sure we are protected and take care of our children," Anthony said.

To make sure that the money is distributed appropriately, Anthony said, it's imperative that people are accurately counted when the census officially begins on April 1, 2010.

Census and school officials hope the students' excitement yesterday carries over into their homes.

"Sometimes, when children understand the importance, they can share that at home with their families," Moore said.

Contact Jeremy Slayton at (804) 649-6861 or .