For Families Experiencing Homelessness
Dear Parents/Guardians:
In compliance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Marion Center Area School District is attempting to identify all children within the district that may be experiencing homelessness.
The term homeless children and youth is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes individuals:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason;
- Living in a motel, hotel, trailer park or campground due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters;
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations or similar settings;
- Living in substandard housing (no running water or working utilities, infestations, etc.).
Children who are experiencing homelessness may qualify for assistance with free school lunch, school supplies/materials, tutoring and transportation so that they can remain in their school of origin throughout the duration of their homeless episode.
If you believe your child(ren) may qualify for this service, please contact my office or your child's Guidance Counselor. Please click on the following link for a general guide for knowing your options:
www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Homeless%20Education/ECYEH%20General%20Guide.pdf
If your living situation changes during the school year, and you and your children become homeless, please be sure to contact the school. We will work with you so that your child(ren)’s education is disrupted as little as possible.
Sincerely,
Amy Gaston
Director of Education
724-397-5551 ext 5413
For the District's Homeless School Policy, please click below:
https://www.boarddocs.com/pa/mari/Board.nsf/Public#
Finding Your Way in PA is a Pennsylvania-based mobile and desktop app designed to share services, resources, and information with young people and families, particularly those experiencing homelessness. While using the app, users can search for and request assistance with services and resources in their current location, local communities, and throughout PA to connect them with helpful support.
The Finding Your Way in PA app is supported through the American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) Program. This program provides homeless children and youth with wrap-around services and enables homeless children and youth to attend school and fully participate in school activities. The Finding Your Way in PA app supports educational stability and strives to foster positive educational outcomes so that students and families experiencing housing instability can succeed in school, work, and life."
Click on the link below to add the app to your phone: