You don't get AIDS from sharing a water fountain. You don't get AIDS when someone sneezes near you. You don't get AIDS from a public toilet.
Ask any third-grader in Keith Frank's class at Jacobson Elementary School and they'll tell you even more about HIV and AIDS.
Each year, Frank teaches his students age-appropriate information about the disease that takes so many lives. Each year, his students raise money for AIDS research and walk in the Aid for AIDS of Nevada annual event.
This year, 14 of his third-graders were in the walk, held April 21. A handful of Frank's former students joined the third-graders for the event, which Frank encourages his classes to participate in each year.
"Because information and misinformation about the HIV/AIDS epidemic is everywhere, it is critical that we teach them the truth and how to dispel the myths that often surround the disease," Frank said.
Before he taught them the facts, the students had misconceptions about AIDS, they said.
"I thought it was a game," Renny Strassburg said.
"I thought it was like having a little flu," Corrine Lofton said.
But now the students can rattle off the words behind the acronyms, how it is passed by dirty needles, that babies can be born with it, and how the virus can hibernate for years before progressing into full-blown AIDS.
Hannah Billmair said she has a friend with the disease.
"She told me about it when I met her," Hannah said. "I acted like she's normal, because she was."
Conor Safbom recalled visiting a friend who was in the hospital due to AIDS.
"I took presents," he said.
The students collected more than $3,000 by placing collection jars around the school. Last year's third-graders raised $3,000 for Aid for AIDS of Nevada. Frank says the amount grows each year.
"This is the fifth year I've done this with my students," Frank said. "The first time, we raised $200."
Inspired by the children's commitment to fundraising, Focus Property Group, a residential master planner, matches the amount of money the children raised, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000.
"We're devoted to building quality communities and we're inspired when people, particularly children, are committed to helping others," said John Ritter, chairman and chief executive officer of Focus Property Group.
The company also provided a surprise pizza party for the children.
The other students in the class involved in the walk included Cody Alger, Samantha Carter, Mirna Chan, Huilin Chen, Kevin Chilin, Victoria Christensen, Christina Gray, Chloe Gosberger, Emily Grossman, Ronald Hemphill, Arturo Lara, Alicia Lozoya, Andrew Mallory, Kenar Mayol, Yentel McGlocklin and Bryan Panameno.
For more information on Aid for AIDS of Nevada, visit www.afanlv.org.
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