As families prepare for the new school year, most people think of back-to-school shopping as a checklist of notebooks, pencils and backpacks. But for thousands of Denver Public Schools (DPS) students, what’s needed to succeed goes beyond basic school supplies.
For students who lack access to everyday hygiene items like deodorant, shampoo and menstrual products, attending school can feel challenging even before the first day of class begins. For some, students might choose not to go to school when they don’t have the basic items they need to show up as their best selves.
Denver Public Schools Foundation sees and understands these challenges, and we are committed to stepping in and supporting DPS students with care and intention.
The Need We Rarely Speak About
Hygiene insecurity is rarely discussed, but it’s deeply felt and can become a serious barrier to learning. It’s an issue that often goes unnoticed but affects students in profound ways. The lack of readily available hygiene products in schools, particularly menstrual products, can negatively impact students’ well-being and academic performance. From academic disadvantages to anxiety and embarrassment to health risks, the consequences are real. This is a solvable problem. And as a community, we can be part of the solution and the positive impacts go a long way.
“I appreciated being able to let my school social worker know that I was in need,” shared one student. “She was able to show me these kits, and I could pick the one I liked. It had everything I needed.”
A Simple, Powerful Response
Thanks to donor support and targeted partnerships, we’ve helped schools across the district provide hygiene kits to students and families who need them. These efforts are about more than supplies; they’re about dignity, equity and belonging.
This school year alone:
- 3,000+ amenity kits were distributed to DPS schools through Good360 & United.
- $12,000 in A to Z Fund grants provided culturally responsive hygiene kits at North High School, Contemporary Learning Academy and Trevista at Horace Mann.
- 760 kits will be distributed to families at three school sites Abraham Lincoln, Evie Dennis Campus, and Manual High School, helping students start the school year with confidence.
Supporting the Whole Student
Public education isn’t just about academics. It’s also about creating a safe, supportive environment where students can grow, feel seen and be successful. That includes making sure they have access to the basic necessities many of us take for granted.
The hygiene kits supported by DPS Foundation aren’t generic. They’re responsive to what families have requested, providing the brands and cultural relevance of the products on the shelves.
“The drive of getting different culturally appropriate hygiene products stemmed from our families having a voice in what’s on our shelves,” said Aaliyah Palma-Sanchez, DPS Community Engagement Specialist. “That’s a big, important piece.”
Join Us
This work wouldn’t be possible without community support, and more must be done. You’re invited to the Back to Class Bash pop-up shop on August 9, where hundreds of students and families will receive supplies, resources, and a warm welcome into the school year.
To learn more about how you can support these efforts, visit https://dpsfoundation.org/get-involved/events/back-to-class-bash/
