PTSA Economic Equity Supports and Resources

 

The Shorewood PTSA works to relieve the opportunity and achievement gaps that exist for many students.  Our focus is informed by the WA State PTA resolution 18.38 Equitable Education Opportunities.  From this document, “PTA is committed to removing systemic inequities, institutionalized racism, and disparate educational opportunities faced by students of color, students with socioeconomic disadvantages, and students with special needs”.  During the time of Covid 19 (March 2020 and forward), many families lost employment and endured economic hardship.  

 

To support our students and families, our PTSA worked on these initiatives:

 

• Family Advocates support families who experience educational barriers.  Sometimes these can be relieved by providing funds for food, clothing, utility bills, etc.  We donated $1000 to the Shorewood Family Advocate department this year to help with these needs.

 

• The Shorewood Experience is a budget line item that our PTSA has had for several years.  It helps students pay for expenses related to school activities such as some after school programs and the equipment they require.  Sometimes we may help them get a yearbook, go to a dance, or take part in another one-time event.  

 

• Staff and student clubs can request grants from our PTSA to help offset economic difficulties that some students have.  This year we provided funding to the Robotics club and the Science Olympiad club to ensure that interested students could participate in their respective competitions. Other groups we supported were the Latinx club (club t-shirts) and the Black Student Union (black graduation).  

 

Because economic insecurity and race often intersect, you can find out more details about our efforts on our PTSA’s Racial Equity Anti-Racism page.

 

RESOURCES

 

Hopelink - “Since 1971, Hopelink has served homeless and low-income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities in King and Snohomish counties, providing stability and helping people gain the skills and knowledge they need to exit poverty for good”.   Also, they help with rental and utility assistance.

 

North Helpline - They offer people in need a variety of basic resources

 

Dale Turner Family Y - “The Y is where families thrive, communities come together, and whole person health is achieved - for all.”  They help with childcare and food access.

 

The WORKS through the Shoreline PTA Council - “The WORKS clothing room provides high quality, clean, gently used children’s and teen clothing to Shoreline School District families. Shoreline families experiencing economic hardship can bring their children to “shop” for gently used, stylish clothing.”

 

King County Health Services - Crisis Hotline, finding a Health Public Clinic, free and low cost health insurance, etc.

 

Remote Learning Meal Box Orders through the Shoreline School District.