Student Needs

Sit down with your principal and ask about student needs. Here are some you may find:

• One in seven South Carolina students are hungry. Provide weekend food (Backpack Buddies) or bags of food for long breaks.
• 57% of students are behind in English/Language Arts and 29% are two grade levels behind. Consider serving as a Reading Buddy.
• Mentors provide much needed encouragement to students who otherwise have little support.
• Most schools need extra clothes: underwear, socks, sweatpants, and t-shirts for students who have accidents.
• Some students do not have shoes to wear to school – or they may need tennis shoes or cleats to participate in PE or sports.
• Hygiene items are needed: shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and laundry detergent.
• Many students need coats or jackets when the weather gets cooler.
• Books are needed for elementary students to read at home over breaks and the summer.
• Feminine products are needed for middle and high school girls. These are not covered by EBT cards.
• School supplies are needed in August and need replenishing in January.
• Foster Care students who are moved suddenly need clothes, pillows, duffle bags, and a special “lovey.”
• Ask about special needs of homeless students.

Serving Teachers/Staff

Ask your administrator how you can assist them in serving their staff. Here are ideas from some of our church partnerships:

• Write personal notes of encouragement.
• Provide a basket of snacks and a note of appreciation for the teacher workroom.
• Host a coffee bar or provide breakfast periodically.
• Enlist small groups to provide monthly snacks for after-school faculty meetings.
• Celebrate teacher birthdays throughout the year.
• “Adopt” first year teachers and help them get needed classroom supplies. Encourage them throughout the year.
• Create gift bags for all teachers at the beginning of the year, Christmas, or Teacher Appreciation Week.
• Provide a simple treat to go in mailboxes once a month centered around any special occasion.
• Have a school supply drive for the teachers. Ask about the specific needs.
• Purchase playground equipment for recess.
• Put up an angel tree with all staff names and have church members send notes and treats throughout the year.
• Ask if there is a time that providing a teacher meal would be helpful.
• Provide “duty-free” lunches to give teachers a helpful break in their day.
• Serve as a volunteer in the office, library, or anywhere needed.
• Be sure to encourage other staff: nurses, custodians, food service providers, social workers, and bus drivers.
• PRAY for our teachers, administrators, and support staff!