RCSS Highlights Student Support Services for Families
Monday, August 15th, 2022
Richmond County School System is asking the public to help with making sure students get to school and are counted.
“During the first ten days of school, we make sure that all of our children are in school and work with our families to identify support needs that can help students be ready to learn,” says Marcus Allen, Assistant Superintendent of Support Services.
The school system has a process that automatically enrolls students for the next school year. Over the summer, families may move or experience challenges due to poverty, homelessness, loss of a family member or employment that can disconnect them from the school system.
“We want all our students back. We can help families with transportation, counseling support and connect them with community partners who prioritize our children to help meet their other needs,” says Allen.
To support student needs, the school system helps students and families access the extensive resources available in school and in the community. The school system has dedicated transportation resources to aid students experiencing homelessness with getting to school. Families should notify the school principal, social worker or counselor to access services.
“Children can benefit from showing up at school. Missing school affects student academic success and our students grow as learners by being in school,” says Allen. “Our schools are filled with positive, caring adults that can help them get through any challenge.”
To support the needs of the community, the school system can provide families with access to mental health services, after school programs, flexible graduation pathways for high school students, and more.
“If you know of a family that is waiting until Labor Day to start school or has school-aged children that are not attending school, please encourage them to bring their children to school today. We are ready for them,” Allen adds.
