News from the Superintendent: August 31, 2010

August 31, 2010

Good afternoon.

I’ve noticed that nothing illustrates the state of the economy right now quite like going back to school. Even with sales and no-tax weekend, many families had to stretch to purchase all the supplies and clothes to start the new school year. On another side, teachers have for years been paying for classroom supplies out of their own pockets to ease the burden on parents. Then there’s the most obvious issue, continually shrinking funding for school districts.

We seem to be surrounded on all sides as we try to make sure our students have everything they need for a productive school year.

But, there is good news. The students have friends who want the same thing for our kids that parents and teachers do.

Those friends are organizations like the APS Schools and Community Partnerships Office and UNM Athletics, who team up each year to provide backpacks of supplies for needy students and distribute them at UNM Stadium. They’re businesses like KOAT-TV, who work with the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union, Smith’s, Ashley Furniture HomeStore and others to gather supplies. Many other businesses, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, have also stepped up to help. Donations were down for the two big school supplies drives this year, a sign of continued economic difficulties, but other friends have found us this year.

Perhaps you heard about the Taft Middle School student who spent his summer knocking on doors in his neighborhood gathering supplies or money for them (read the story). The young man lined up Walmart, Office Depot and two churches, as well as some of his friends, to join in. He’s keeping it going as a year-round effort, too. He is a true friend to his fellow students.

The APS Title I Homeless Project serves 5,000 students registered with its program each year. They provide school supplies as well as food and personal necessities. They have found an amazing new champion in the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors, who has given $30,000 to the Homeless Project over the past year, a tremendous boost to the program. Right next door to the Homeless Project offices is the BCCPTA Clothing Bank, where students can find new clothes. In addition, the Assistance League of Albuquerque runs Operation School Bell to help kids who need school uniforms.

All of our friends deserve a huge thank you from APS. If you know students who need these resources, please refer them and their families to school counselors, who can connect them. With your support, our students can get through the economic crisis with a little help from our friends.

Have a great week.

Winston Brooks
Superintendent