Submitted by Maria Gregorio on
"Every child deserves a champion, an adult who insists that they become the best they can possibly be.” Rita Pierson
Big, adult challenges shouldn’t keep a child from learning, or from participating in opportunities that can make a huge difference in their lives. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Michael is a first-grader with a difficult home life. He is often disruptive during class and lashes out when he gets frustrated. Michael’s teacher helped him to join a local basketball program and it is working wonders for his confidence and classroom behavior. Michael wants to participate in an upcoming tournament but his parents cannot pay the $23 entry fee.
Sarah’s Algebra teacher noticed that she had become withdrawn in class, going from her usually bubbly self to withdrawn and reluctant. Her grades and school work reflected her change in mood. She spoke to Sarah after school one day and found out she had a tough time seeing the board. Sarah had gone without glasses because her parents could not afford them.Laura’s family was just keeping up with expenses in the beginning of the school year, but due to a medical emergency, they are now struggling financially. Her parents are now having to choose which bills to pay, including their daughter’s school lunch debt. They do not qualify for free or reduced lunch and there is no way to make an exception for her.
William is a high school student in his school’s AVID program. He enjoys his AP Chemistry class and he’s getting good grades in the course. But, he knows that when the time comes to take the AP test at the end of the year, he will not be able to take it. The AP tests cost $94 each, and he doesn’t bother to ask his mom for the money, he knows she doesn’t have it.
These are all situations where caring donors, through various Foundation funds, have stepped in to change the life of a child.
Michael’s basketball tournament fee was paid for by the Wimmer Student Care Fund. Established in 2005, the Wimmer Student Care Fund was established as a tribute to Dr. Ron Wimmer’s years of service as superintendent of Olathe Schools and his passion for students. Funds are disbursed to students and their families in times of special need to minimize the impact on the students and keep them in school. Great importance has been placed on flexibility with the current superintendent having control of the fund. When the superintendent approves a disbursement, checks are sent within 48 hours so immediate action can be taken to assist the student in need.
The Student Health Emergency Fund paid for Sarah’s glasses. This fund allows school nurses to provide for the most immediate health needs of our district’s most vulnerable students. The Student Health Emergency Fund keeps these kids in school, learning without the distractions of their health concerns.
The Food Production Center’s Families in Need Fund paid off Laura’s school lunch debt. Many Olathe families struggle financially, but are not eligible to receive meal benefits. There are no provisions for making exceptions based on unusual household circumstances, like Laura’s. Gifts to the Families in Need Fund help to ensure that all students receive the nutrition they need to grow and do well in school.
The AVID Lifetime Learners (A.L.L.) Fund covered William’s AP test fee. AVID students like William are encouraged to take the ACT test and enroll in AP-level courses or College Now classes which allow them to earn college credit while still in high school. But, these opportunities come with a cost. Some AVID students find themselves taking an advanced-level class, but not getting college credit because they can't afford the fees. Launched in 2010 as a tribute to former superintendent Dr. Pat All, the A.L.L. Fund is here to help students in need pay those fees and get a head start on their college education.
Because children spend much of their day in school, it’s often teachers, school nurses, and administrators who detect when something is wrong in a child’s life. We are fortunate to have a way to address these challenges, through various Foundation donor-directed funds.
When a donor supports a need-based Foundation fund, they become champions for vulnerable kids like Laura, Michael, William, and Sarah. These champions ensure that kids are kept in the classroom, ready and able to focus on learning.
Learn more about how you can be a champion for vulnerable Olathe students by going to www.olathepublicschoolsfoundation.org/foundation-programs.