Serving Students & Teachers During A Pandemic and Beyond

Student Needs

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

• Since the pandemic, there are many more students in need of food on the weekends (Backpack Buddies).
• Elementary schools need extra clothes: underwear, socks, pants, and shirts for students who have accidents.
• There are children who do not have shoes to wear. Shoes may be too small or falling apart. Tennis shoes are needed for PE. (This includes middle and high school.)
• Hygiene items are needed: shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
• Families in poverty may need laundry detergent to clean the few clothes they have.
• Many students need coats or jackets when the weather gets cooler.
• There is an extra need for food for families over long weekends, holidays, or school closures.
• 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.
• “Hot spots” are needed for families without internet access.
• School supplies are needed, especially in December/January when back-to-school supplies are gone.

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.
• Provide breakfast (donuts or bagels and coffee) 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.
• 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.
• Consider hosting a special Christmas lunch or dinner for teachers/faculty.
• Serve as a volunteer to help 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!