'Tidal Wave' of homeless students hits schools

[Stuart G]

Source: MSNBC

By Kari Huus
Reporter
msnbc.com
updated 6:20 a.m. CT, Mon., March. 2, 2009



OXNARD, Calif. - Nine-year-old Daniel Valdez is absorbed in “The Swiss Family Robinson,” the fictional story of a family shipwrecked on a tropical island. In real life, he and his family also are marooned, but there is little romance in their tale of survival in this seaside town northwest of Los Angeles.

Daniel, his mother and five brothers, ages 1 to 17, live in a garage without heat or running water in a modest, low-lying neighborhood that sits between celebrity-owned mansions in the hills and the Pacific Ocean. Each morning, they arise at 6:30, get dressed and then leave quietly; they return only after dark — a routine born out of the fear that detection could mean the loss of even this humble dwelling.

While the problem may be worse in economically stricken regions like Southern California, where foreclosures and job losses are taking a harsh toll on families, anecdotal evidence suggests it is a growing issue nationally and one with serious ramifications for both a future generation and the overburdened public school system.

Research shows that the turmoil of homelessness often hinders children’s ability to socialize and learn. Many are plagued by hunger, exhaustion, abuse and insecurity. They have a hard time performing at grade level and are about 50 percent less likely to graduate from high school than their peers.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29356160/

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While there have always been homeless kids at school, the problem is getting much worse. And it will not get better soon.

Years ago, when I was teaching in a high school, I asked about around about one student, who did not seem to be doing well. (sleeping in class, poorly dressed etc.) Others said he had no place to live, and he had been thrown out of his house by his father. Who knows why? This sad aspect of the economy, is almost unbelievable in the U.S.A. today, but it is real. And that high school where I worked was a so called middle class school. What a mess we are in.

[flvegan]

1. I think you want "Tidal Wave"

[jpak]

2. Let them eat cheese sandwiches

:sarcasm:

[noiretextatique]

5. but only after they are completely humiliated first

:sarcasm:

[Dogmudgeon]

6. More public shaming! More! More!

And then ... spankings!

Especially if they are obese or come from large families!

I'll tell you, MY kids had to EARN the right to read!

Zac has 4% bodyfat, but Zoe has 9% bodyfat. I told Zoe that she's going to be one sad and hungry little fatty if she doesn't shape up quick.

Joe Arpaio for Secretary of Education.

(Is the sarcasm icon really needed?)

--d!
Let them eat Consequences!

[Tempest]

3. And who was the DU'er from last week who said school lunch programs are a waste of money?

A pox on his house.

[lovuian]

4. is this what America wants Slumdogs

cause this is what the New World Order wants us to be

[Stuart G]

7. I think about the expanding poverty here and,

it makes me so sad. It has been so bad for so long, and now it is going to get worse. After all, these are the children of the U.S.A.
So many people don't give a damn.