McKinney-Vento Act
Homeless and Highly Mobile Students
In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act, we are committed to providing homeless and highly mobile students with the necessary support to access opportunities and meet the high academic standards expected of all students in our network.
Homeless students may find themselves in various challenging circumstances, including:
- Sharing housing with others
- Residing in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of adequate alternative accommodations
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Abandoned in hospitals
- Awaiting foster care placement
- Occupying public or private spaces not designated for human habitation
- Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, etc.
- Migratory children facing any of the above circumstances
Rights: McKinney-Vento Act
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children in homeless situations have the right to:
- Attend school, regardless of their current living situation or how long they have been in that situation
- Choose to attend either the local school or the school of origin, with consideration given to the child's best interest. The school of origin is either the school the child attended when permanently housed or the school where the child was last enrolled
- Receive transportation to and from the school of origin
- Enroll in school immediately
- Fully participate in school activities
- Access the same programs and services available to all other students, including transportation and supplemental educational services
Contact Information: For more information or assistance, please contact your school social worker via ParentSquare.
We are committed to ensuring that homeless and highly mobile students have the support they need to overcome barriers and achieve academic success. By upholding the rights outlined in the McKinney-Vento Act, we strive to create an inclusive and equitable educational experience for every student in our network.
Substance Use Prevention and Intervention
Promoting and supporting chemical health is a crucial element in fostering personal and academic success. Research consistently demonstrates that youth chemical use has detrimental effects on students' personal, social, and academic well-being, impacting overall health and brain development. Together, as a community, we can collaborate to support the chemical health of students and prevent youth substance use and abuse.
Our Commitment
Hiawatha Academies is dedicated to meeting student needs by implementing comprehensive strategies, including ongoing staff development, school-based counseling and support, and consultation and care coordination with community-based professionals when requested. Through these initiatives, we aim to create a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of our students.
Concerned about Substance Use?
If you have concerns about substance use with your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Paulson | [email protected]
General Information/Resources:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Offers research, resources, and educational materials on drug abuse and addiction.
- Partnership to End Addiction: Provides tools, support, and resources for families dealing with substance use.
Talking About Substance Abuse with Your Student:
- Start the Talk: A resource to help parents and caregivers navigate conversations about substance use with their children.
- Above the Influence: Empower young people to make positive choices and resist substance use.
Helpful Vaping Websites/Resources:
- The Real Cost: A campaign by the FDA to educate teens on the dangers of smoking and vaping.