My name is Heather, this is my story.
Poverty greatly impacts students on many levels. Coming to school hungry, with holes in their shoes and lack of a jacket can set the tone for the day. Sitting in class with a decaying tooth or unaddressed illness impacts a student’s ability to fully engage in their learning.
Going home to an empty house or a house with multiple family members, who may or may not speak English, makes it difficult to complete homework or nightly reading. Having to choose between putting food on the table, buying a bus pass or paying the electric bill causes additional stress that transfers down to children.
This is the reality for children living in poverty.
Through the support of Valley of the Sun United Way, teachers have received scholarships to attend top-notch trainings by the latest education researchers. In addition, parents and preschool students have attended classes on early literacy skills and preparing students for kindergarten. Our teachers received training and techniques on addressing chronic absenteeism.
Our students receive WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks to help sustain them through the weekend. They also receive breakfast every school day. Volunteers come into our school and are embedded into our school on a variety of levels.
Our school is the only school in the state of Arizona that went from a D to an A rating in just one year.
Most recently we were named an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation. These accomplishments are a result of a dedicated staff, hardworking students, supportive parents, community partnerships and outside opportunities that have been afforded to our school.
– Heather, Principal of Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary, Title One School
Teachers and principals like Heather, all across the Valley, see children in poverty every day, every year. Heather’s story shows just a few ways we are dedicated to ensuring kids succeed in school and how we unite against the cycle of poverty. We know it can’t happen alone! Join us in our fight to break the cycle today!
