Poverty: A significant percent of our students are economically disadvantaged
Why talk about poverty in Our Story? It is an essential element because more than half our students live in poverty according to the U.S. Census data and information on those who qualify for free and reduced priced meals.
Research
tells us that children living in poverty face significant disadvantages when
compared to their affluent counterparts. These disadvantages can influence
learning and achievement.
|
Students Living in Poverty |
|
|
2007-08 |
% of student eligible for
free or reduced priced meals |
|
|
53%
|
|
|
36% |
|
|
60% |
|
Kuna |
33% |
|
|
23% |
|
Vallivue |
57% |
|
Source:
Idaho State Department of Education, Nutrition Programs, 2008 Eligibility
Reports. |
|
We cannot
change the circumstances families face, but we can provide support to children where
we are able. To this end, we aggressively pursue state and federal grants to
provide additional assistance – such as before and after school programs so
students can get extra help or have time to complete school work. We offer
breakfast, lunch, and snacks for children, so they can focus on learning and
not empty stomachs. We partner with community services that can help families.
Most important, we believe that the best support to economically disadvantaged students is to hold them to the same challenging academic standards and expectations set for all students.
We take steps to ensure students are not left behind for any reason. We’ve adopted district wide pacing guides in reading and math so students who move frequently among our schools won’t fall behind because they’re in a new school.