Public Relations Project Kira Flannery EDFA Summer 2012 Purdue University Calumet Dr. Frampton/Dr. Vowels

Valley View School District 365U Homeless Education Program for Homeless Children & Youth

WHERE ARE WE? 30 miles southwest of Chicago

WHO ARE WE? Composition ▫Serves grades K-12 ▫Approximately 17,700 students ▫1,063 certified staff ▫### classified staff ▫2 High Schools ▫5 Middle Schools ▫12 Elementary Schools ▫1 Alternative School

WHO DO WE SERVE? Demographics Student population ▫29% White ▫22% Black ▫39% Hispanic ▫6% Asian ▫4% “Other” 53% of students are considered low- income 12% of the student population are identified and utilize Special Education services

WHAT DO WE DO? Achievement 72% of all subjects in the district meet or exceed on state tests Did NOT meet AYP in

WHO IS HOMELESS, REALLY? Homeless Children and Youth: (A) Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (B) includes (1) Living in shared housing due to......loss of housing...economic hardship (2) living in temporary housing e.g., motels, hotels, trailer parks or on camp grounds Unaccompanied Youth  Not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian

DOES THAT REALLY HAPPEN HERE? 60 Minutes "Homeless in America” ▫Candid view of the reality of homeless families today

DOES THAT REALLY HAPPEN HERE? TOTAL FOR ILLINOIS 2006 School year- 18, School year- 39,994 TOTAL FOR WILL COUNTY 2006 School year School year an increase of 432%

HOW PREVALENT IS THIS IN VVSD?

WHAT LEGISLATION EXISTS? Mckinnney-Vento Homeless Act of IL Homeless students are entitled to EQUAL access to a quality education. As a school system, we are charged with removing barriers to a quality education.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN IN VVSD? Illinois Admin Code / VVSD Board Policy 4:140 School Fee Waivers: Textbooks and Instructional materials Property deposits Mandatory or customary Field Trips Equipment and Uniform deposits Classroom supplies Driver education Graduation School records School health services

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN IN VVSD? Illinois Admin Code / VVSD Board Policy 4:140 School Fees Not Waived: Fines Admission to social and athletic events Class rings Yearbooks Graduation photos Optional travel outside of school hours Optional Community Service events

WHAT CAN WE DO? Be an advocate for Homeless Families Ensure homeless youth are enrolled and succeed in school ▫Ensure students receive all services they are eligible- free lunch, fee waivers, Head Start, Even Start etc. ▫Make connections and referrals to community social services ▫Facilitate transportation arrangements ▫CONTACT THE BUILDING HOMELESS LIAISON

WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL BARRIERS TO SCHOOL SUCCESS WITH HOMELESS STUDENTS? Frequent mobility Lack of staff awareness and sensitivity Inability to complete school assignments ◦Lack of psychological services ◦Poor health and inadequate medical care ◦Physical needs -- food, clothing, health care

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE? We have multitude of roles in the district, & there are many ways to help. Most Important Be vigilant so we can identify and help. Be compassionate. Educate so that the cycle of poverty is broken

WHAT DID YOU LEARN? Scenario Jones family has 3 students who last attended schools in Bolingbrook. They lost housing and meet criteria as homeless. Family is temporarily living with relatives in Mokena. 1.Can they attend VVSD schools? 2.Are they entitled to transportation? 3.What is the name of the law that protects the homeless students? 4.What services should students receive?

HOW CAN I HELP YOU HELP STUDENTS? Identify three signs that might indicate that a student might be homeless

“What homeless children need most of all is a home… but while they are experiencing homelessness, what they need most is to stay in school. School is one of the few stable, secure places in the lives of homeless children, a place where they can acquire the skills they need to help them escape poverty.” -Author unknown