Making connections
PTS Community Care team's August-September report reveals major impact through CC Corner, other initiatives
October 7, 2024
PHOENIX – The Phoenix-Talent School District is proud to announce the remarkable progress and diverse initiatives undertaken by its Community Care team in supporting local students and families. The team has successfully connected with 210 students across the district during the months of August and September alone.
Established in 2022 by way of a $1.08 million grant from the Oregon Department of Education, the district's Community Care program has reached students at all levels of education within the district:
- Orchard Hill Elementary: 63 students (30% of total reach)
- Talent Elementary: 51 students (24%)
- Phoenix Elementary: 45 students (22%)
- Phoenix High School: 17 students (8%)
- Talent Middle School: 14 students (7%)
- Phoenix-Talent Rising Academy / Pre-School: 6 students (2%)
This comprehensive approach ensures that students from all backgrounds and age groups receive the support they need to thrive in their educational journey. Reasons for the referrals were diverse and could be classified in categories such as basic needs, crisis, housing, mental health and other general health needs. Basic needs accounted for the most referrals – 131 in all, or 62% of the pie.
The Community Care team has been active in several key initiatives:
- JC Penney Kid Spree: Partnered with JC Penney to provide students with essential clothing items. The team distributed 38 gift cards, each worth $100, for back-to-school shopping, ensuring students could start the year with confidence.
- Community Care Corner: Established a centralized location for distributing resources to families in need. When it opened on August 22, 44 backpacks filled with school supplies were given out. Families were also able to access basic toiletries, food, and diapers. During its September 27 opening, the Corner served 11 parents and 17 children, continuing to provide essential support to the community.
- Girls on the Run: Implemented this after-school program for 3rd-through-5th-grade girls to empower them through running and life skills education. Thanks to a $700 sponsorship secured by the Community Care program, all 41 participants in the Phoenix-Talent School District can attend the program free of charge.
- Sock Donation Drive: Received a generous donation of 300 pairs of socks from Bombas through the First Phoenix Community Center, which will be distributed via the Community Care Corner.
- Rogue Power Packs: Successfully enrolled 47 Talent Elementary School families in this program, ensuring students have access to nutritious food over weekends and school breaks.
- Kaleidoscope Play Groups: Talent Elementary hosted five Kaleidoscope Play Groups in August and September, each with an average of 15 to 20 children ages 0-5 in attendance.
The district encourages families to reach out if they feel their child could benefit from any of the Community Care programs.
For more information, please contact the executive assistant of equity and community care Monique Strain at monique.strain@phoenix.k12.or.us or 541-535-1517.
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