Another idea is to have a clothing drive specifically for clothing for the K students who have accidents. This isn't a low income issue, but just something that helps everyone.

When DS was in K he attended a school that had a clothing drive spcifically for K clothes. By the time DS outgrew his K sized clothes we had moved to a new school (district.) They were suprised and deligthed to get a supply of pants and underwear with a few shirts tossed in that would fit the K kids if they had an accident. It was nice that the parents who worked could have their kids get into clean clothes without giving up a day's pay.

Our school aslo has a high FARM (free & reduced meal) rate. Our group gives each teacher a set amount of money each year for field trips and they usually use that $$$ to help the kids who can't afford the trips get to go. We also have a supply closet that our school keeps that the kids can go to for school supplies (backpacks, pencils, crayons etc). We also do as a few mentioned above =donate the gently used coats.

As a PTO/A - we try to have a balance of events that are free. That way all of our students are able to attend and feel a part of the school.

I also want to second the free and reduced lunch program - get as many to sign up as possible. The level of federal help is often determined by the amount of FARMS a school has on record.

Speaking of free and reduced lunch - do everything you can to push that program. Not only would the individual familes benefit, but those numbers are the basis for other resources the school might receive.

In our our middle school, the principal makes a big pitch about this. He emphasizes how much it helps the school. That even if a family feels they could get by without it (although they qualify), it helps the school if they at least apply. We're hoping this part of the message might pursuade those who are on the fence and actually need the assistance but are letting pride stop them.

Oh, one more thing, we are a public school with uniforms. It's something that the parents voted on long before we were at the school, but it does help with the clothing issue. The uniform is just a simple Navy Blue and White. So, navy pants, skirts, dresses, skorts, shorts, etc and a white or navy shirt with a colar. You can get these things for very little money at Target or Mervyn's, Sears, JC Pennys. One could spend more at Landsend if they wanted, but totally not necessary. I also donate our uniform clothes to a clothes closet at school when my daughters outgrow them. The school then passes it on to needy kids.

Kathryn

I'm not sure of our low income % now, but I would guess it is around 60-70%. I volunteered a lot at school last year in my daughter's class and have gotten to know quite a few of the teachers who really know what the needs are because they work with the kids/parents all the time. From what I can tell, the biggest need (beyond the basics of food and clothing) is personal attention. No one reads to the kids at home and they suffer in school because of it and no one helps with homework so they come to school unprepared.

One thing I REALLY want to do for our school this year is to hire teacher's aides for the 1st grade in particular because this is when they really learn to read. I would suggest something like that or additional staff to work one on one with some of the kids who do not have the support at home.

We also have a school psychologist, but our school can only afford 2 days/week, so the school site council is looking very specifically at the budget to see if we can fit in one more day/week.

One more thing I heard from a teacher is that some of the parents qualify for free or reduced lunch, but do not turn in their paperwork because they are embarassed. I'm not sure if the PTO could even do anything about that, but I can tell you that is an issue at our school.

Kathryn

Our school is more than 90% free or reduced. Our principal does solicit businesses and groups to provide supplies and other necessaries. We also make sure parents are aware of local agencies that can help them with any of their non school needs. Our PTO is generally not responsible for providing the staples because we would never have any money for the extras we provide. Instead we focus on making their time at school and education the priority. If kids consistantly sleep or have other issues, one of our admins will try to contact the parents to see what can be done to help. We had a child we used to have shower and change clothes at the school so he wouldn't smell and there are children who just ask to take a nap in the nurses office.