The first day of school will be especially exciting for 1,600 DPS kids. On Thursday morning, they will walk into their classrooms to find brand new backpacks filled with all the school supplies they need to have their best year ever in the classroom!
Thanks to a $25,000 grant awarded to the Kids In Need Foundation by the Staples Foundation for Learning, 1,600 students at College View Elementary, Columbian Elementary, Ellis Elementary and Hallett Fundamental Academy will receive school supplies. The schools were chosen based on their high rate of students on free and reduced lunch programs, a key indicator of poverty.
“Especially in this difficult economic climate, purchasing school materials can be a huge burden for many families in our school to bear,” said Kyle Gamba, Principal at College View Elementary. “It’s easy to take for granted that students will start a new school year with the basic materials they need to be successful in the classroom. And yet, every year, we see so many children who don’t have that advantage.”
“We are most appreciative of the grant we received from the Staples Foundation for Learning, making it possible to do this school supplies giveaway in Denver,” said Dave Smith, executive director for the Kids In Need Foundation. “According to the 2010 Kids Count in Colorado report, the number of children living in poverty is growing at a faster pace in Colorado than anywhere else in the United States. The findings also report a stark difference in test scores between economically disadvantaged students and their peers from more stable home environments. We’re thrilled to be able to help these children start the new school year prepared with tools to help them achieve academic success.”
Join us at Ellis Elementary School (1651 S. Dahlia Street – Read full details here. And check back later this week for photos!