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Homeless students

I hope everyone out there in Chalkboard land had a great Thanksgiving - I know I did. I also know that I have plenty to be thankful for.

But many children right here in the Triad aren't so lucky. Guilford County Schools serves 299 homeless students, according to a report compiled by district officials in September. School board member Deena Hayes asked district staff members to compile those numbers.

Breaking those numbers down a little more, 206 of those homeless students are in elementary school, 68 are in middle school and 25 are in high school. However, logic tells you that many high school-aged homeless kids have dropped out of school to get a job.

And unfortunately, the numbers of homeless students typically rises as the school year progresses.

Comments (5)

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Barbara Ann said:

Bruce,

Just got back in town late today. This is an interesting post. If these students are "homeless", are they in shelters? Foster care?

How do you determine what school they will attend?

How do you determine what district they are in?

What do they use for an address for report cards and other information to be sent "home"?

Many of us were not aware of this situation.

bruce buchanan said:

Typically, these kids are in homeless shelters. Students just go to the neighborhood school near their particular shelter or wherever they happen to be staying. And anything that gets sent home can just as easily be sent to the address of the homeless shelter.

Guilford County Schools' attitude, quite correctly, has been, "Get 'em in school; we'll figure out the logistics later." District employees go to extraordinary lengths to make sure these kids are receiving an education and they should be commended for that.

But to be honest, these logistical issues are terribly minor problems compared to what these children face. There's only so much the school district can do.

Barbara Ann said:

Thanks Bruce for the information. It seems like an education could be their path out of their present circumstance. You are right too in there is only so much the school district can do. Without the resources and possibly parental involvement because of other survival needs being a priority , it truly is un uphill battle.

jordan said:

My mother and I are dying to find a homeless shelter so we can go deliver clothes,books,and toys to the homeless. We would love to see their faces when they recieve are things. Happy and joyful!!Even though they are homeless doesnt mean they are dumb or cant read. We want them to know we care and believe in them. I am in 8th grade student and im smart. I wouldnt mind helping out on school work ect. My friend and I work well together and we wouldn't mind taking time out of our lives for more important things. Thanks. We love and care:)

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