McCarter Elementary

We are living in some temporary housing right now and the school that we are zoned for is in an older part of town, USD 501 for those of you familiar with Topeka.

During our parent-teacher conferences, I was struck by the statements of the teachers. 67% of the students at the school qualify for free or reduced lunches. They normally are the last school to get updated technology.

Normally, a good PTO can help provide funds to bridge the gap but when 67% of your kids are already on free or reduced lunch – do the math.

They have one computer lab of about 20 PCs for the whole school. I noticed no computers for student use in the classrooms.

They don’t have an overflow of parent volunteers. Is that because of the abundance of single parent families? The economy? I don’t know.

I do know there 4 churches within 4 blocks of this school. When I asked if any church had offered to help or adopt them, all I got in return was an empty stare. Teachers there genuinely care for the students but are handicapped by the resources and economic status of the families they are serving.

I also know that Western Hills is located a 10 minute drive away, in another school district and another work away. There are a 1,000 reasons (excuses) why we should not be the one to help. Distance. Convenience. Finances. Other schools are closer. Those other schools are significantly more affluent.

I know better than to say some other church will help.

I’m off to set up an appointment with the principal.