Jane Lenser North Boone CUSD #200 ISLMA Conference November 7, 2014 Poverty in our Schools

A Little History… Presentation at Teacher Inservice Day, winter 2013 Presentation at New Teacher/Mentor Meeting, fall 2013 Today’s presentation, fall 2014

Our Local Figures Free and Reduced Lunch as of 9/16/14 District Average– 51% School% of Free and Reduced NBHS50% NBMS50% NBUE51% Capron60% Manchester52% Poplar Grove47% Source: iirc.niu.edu, District Food Service Manageriirc.niu.edu

The numbers tell the story… Free and reduced lunch over the years % % % % % % Source: iirc.niu.eduiirc.niu.edu

Boone County Unemployment The average for 2013 was 11.5%. The Illinois average for 2013 was 9.2%. The national average for 2013 was 7.4%. From Dec., 2008 through April, 2013, Boone County’s monthly unemployment rate was 10% or above. Source: IL Dept. of Employment Securitywww.ides.illinois.gov

But things are getting better… Boone County Unemployment- September, 2014 Boone County– 6.9% Illinois– 6.6% US—5.9% Source:

Home Foreclosures September, 2014 Poplar Grove—1 in every 499 homes is in the foreclosure process Boone County – 1 in every 1,009 homes Illinois —1 in every 789 homes Source:

More Statistics Our district’s truancy rate is 4.6%; state average is 9%. Our student mobility rate is 11%; state average is 12%. We currently have eight students in our district who are homeless. In the Boone/Winnebago ROE, the number of homeless students increased 40% from to Source: iirc.niu.edu, District Homeless Liaisoniirc.niu.edu

Educational Attainment—61065 Source: U.S. Census, American Community SurveyU.S. Census <9 th Grade1.2%6.1% 9 th -12 th, no diploma8.3%8.5% HS grad inc. GED42.7%28.6% College but no degree24.1%21.0% Associate’s degree7.6%6.5% Bachelor’s degree12.8%17.7% Grad or prof degree4.3%10.5% Level61065USA

From the Rockford Register Star 2/10/13 Poverty Level % Change Less than 10% % 10-20% % >20% % This is based on 153 neighborhoods in Boone and Winnebago counties. Neighborhoods with poverty greater than 15% are considered at risk by local officials. ( The number of poor residents doubled in Boone and Winnebago counties from 2000 to (U.S. Census)

Boone County Food Pantry They served an average of nearly 1,800 clients each month so far in 2014—about 40% were children. They have seen an increase of NEW clients in the past several years. They network with many other agencies. They have staff to help with SNAP applications, utility discount applications, etc. They donate food to our schools for snacks for K-4 students who don’t have their own. They supply food for a weekly dinner for needy families in our community.

Northern IL Food Bank Provides BackPack Weekend Nutrition Program to schools in 11 counties Almost 50 families take part at North Boone. Each backpack contains at least 14 pounds of food. The BackPack program served over 2,500 unduplicated students in with over 1,000,000 meals. Source: “ BackPack Program: A Program of Feeding America”, District Social Worker

Federal Poverty Guidelines Household SizeAnnual Income 1$11,670 2$15,730 3$19,790 4$23,850 5$27,910 6$31,970 7$36,030 Source: aspe.hhs.gov/POVERTY/14poverty.cfmaspe.hhs.gov/POVERTY/14poverty.cfm

Could You Survive? In Poverty? In Middle Class?

Primary Risk Factors for Families in Poverty Emotional and social challenges Acute and chronic stressors Cognitive lags Health and safety issues

Emotional and Social Challenges The issue starts with infants and continues on. Parenting education is often lacking. Parents are often uninvolved in their children’s lives. Children are often left to fend for themselves.

Action Steps for Teachers Model respect. Embed social skills. Be inclusive.

Acute and Chronic Stressors Poor families have many more daily stressors than non-poor families. Stress has a huge effect on school behavior and performance. Teens are especially vulnerable to chronic stress. “Learned helplessness” is common.

Action Steps for Teachers Recognize the signs. Alter the environment. Empower students.

Cognitive Lags The brains of children in poverty differ from their well-off classmates. Decreased language skills are a major effect. Student time out of school is spent in lower- quality activities.

Action Steps for Teachers Build core skills. Provide help and support. Enrich your students’ activities as much as possible.

Health and Safety Issues Children from low-income families have generally poorer physical health. School attendance is adversely effected. Substandard housing can lead to environmental hazards, childhood injuries, and respiratory issues.

Action Steps for Teachers Pass along info and encourage students to take advantage of resources such as the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, free immunizations, etc. Help students who miss class to catch up. Offer plenty of exercise options.

Other comments or suggestions???