Friday, September 02, 2005

Hurricane Katrina - School PR

Educators Across the Country Begin Relief Efforts

School districts nationwide are pitching in to aid the refugees of Hurricane Katrina. As news organizations continue localized coverage of the destruction caused by the horrific storm, educators are coming up with ways to assist young victims and are publicizing their efforts.

According to Commissioner Kent King of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), school districts in the state already are receiving children who are Katrina refugees.

In a memo sent to school administrators, King said, "We want to remind you that such children who move into your district qualify as homeless children. There should be no barriers to enrolling them in school promptly."

King went on to say that by coincidence, DESE is mailing school districts a brochure entitled “Educating Missouri’s Homeless Children.” Each school district is expected to designate a staff member to serve as its "homeless coordinator."

Got PR news or commentary concerning Hurricane Katrina relief efforts? Feel free to post or send the details by email.

4 comments:

S A J Shirazi said...

I am with you when ever you think of this natural clamity.

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Thank you, Shirazi. You are very kind. When the world stands together, we are one. There is power and strength in numbers.

Rose said...

I am glad the schools officials are thinking with their heads. Children are going to have enough to deal with with this despair, death and pain. School will give them familiarity.

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

I agree, Rose. Thank you for your keen observations. In today's world, I believe the sense of community extends beyond geographical borders. The sentiments reflected by our Pakistani friend, Shirazi, is just one example of this.