Press Releases

NEWS RELEASE

November 22, 2005
For More Information Contact:
Joe Lamson. 444-3160
jlamson@mt.gov

Montana School Kids Raise $112,440 For Katrina Victims

State Superintendent Linda McCulloch today announced that Montana school children have raised $112, 440.99 for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"This Thanksgiving Montanans have something to be very thankful for, our school kids. In September, I began 'Montana Kids Care' through the Office of Public Instruction to encourage school children to join in raising money and materials for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Since then we have recorded contributions that conservatively total $112,440.99," reported Superintendent Linda McCulloch.

"Montana kids deserve a great big thank you for all their hard work. Activities ranged from penny drives to bake sales to school dances to filling a semi-truck trailer with relief supplies," said Superintendent McCulloch. "I am convinced the $112,440 we know of is a very conservative figure. We literally hear of new projects every day."

"Corvallis kindergartners brought in their piggy banks. Columbia Falls kids had 'Loot for Louisiana' days. Hamilton kids did a 2,330 mile walkathon covering the distance from their hometown to New Orleans. A 1000 homemade suckers raised money for Bonner Schoolis 'Coins for Katrina' drive, while Bozeman's Chief Joseph Middle School students filled a semi tractor trailer with food, clothing, bedding, toys, furniture, and pet food," pointed out Superintendent McCulloch. "You have to marvel at the ingenuity and sense of fun brought to all these wonderful projects by thousands of Montana kids."

The Office of Public Instruction has heard from 98 schools and student organizations from across Montana. Schools donated their contributions directly to a wide variety of different relief organizations. More than half the funds went to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army and there were other efforts that sent relief to "adopted" individual schools in Louisiana and Mississippi.

"The school slogan for Hawthorne Elementary in Helena is 'Strong Minds, Gentle Hearts.' I think that sums up very nicely the goal of Montana schools. The sense of personal and civic responsibility is alive and well in Montana classrooms. We should all be thankful for that," concluded Superintendent McCulloch.

NEWS RELEASE

September 9, 2005
For More Information Contact:
Joe Lamson. 444-3160
jlamson@mt.gov

“Montana Kids Care” Campaign Launched to Aid Katrina Victims

State Superintendent Linda McCulloch today announced the “"Montana Kids Care Campaign” to encourage students and educators to collect donations for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“"Today I'm calling on students and educators to join  ‘"MONTANA KIDS CARE: Collecting Pennies (and More) for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina,"” said Superintendent Linda McCulloch.  “"This is a voluntary, statewide initiative to collect money to help with humanitarian aid."”   

“"I am heartened by the many students and educators who have already ‘'rolled up their sleeves' and pitched in donating money and materials for the hurricane victims.  My OPI staff joined the effort and raised $2,496 for the American Red Cross and bottled water donations,"”noted Superintendent McCulloch.  “"Much has already begun, no effort is too small as the needs are great."

“"We are asking schools to let my office know what they are doing and we will be giving public appreciation and recognition for their efforts," said Superintendent McCulloch. "The campaign is simple and direct.  I know I can count on Montana kids to help out."

The Office of Public Instruction has established a special website at www.opi.mt.gov/katrina/ to provide information on how to join the Montana Kids Care campaign and related Hurricane Katrina information.           

Thank you for your support of these families.

NEWS RELEASE

September 6, 2005
For More Information Contact:
Joe Lamson. 444-3160
jlamson@mt.gov

Montana Schools Open to All Student Victims of Katrina

State Superintendent Linda McCulloch today announced any new students enrolling in Montana public schools as a result of Hurricane Katrina are welcome and eligible for federal program benefits.

“In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Montana schools may experience the arrival of students leaving the aftermath of destruction. I know Montana schools will open their doors to welcome and help out these students,” said Superintendent McCulloch. “Schools should treat such students as ‘homeless students’ to qualify for federal assistance programs. It is likely that these students will lack school and immunization records. Some will arrive without parents and be living with relatives or friends. The lack of records should not hinder any such student from enrolling immediately. OPI is working with other state education agencies in the Hurricane area to obtain this information.”

The federal McKinney-Vento Act defines “homeless children and youth” as “Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including children and youth who are: sharing the housing of other persons due to the loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.” In compliance with this Act, children rendered homeless by the hurricane must be enrolled immediately and placed as appropriately as possible with verbal information from the parent and/or student.

“As a homeless child or youth they automatically qualify for and are entitled to all of the federally funded programs offered in a school or district. This includes all of the TITLE Programs as well as IDEA and school lunch programs, “noted McCulloch.
“Families hosting ‘Katrina refugees” may also qualify for free or reduced cost meal programs through the federal Food and Nutrition Service,” explained Superintendent McCulloch.

In cases where a household from a designated disaster area moves in with another household, the displaced individuals may be considered homeless and consequently automatically eligible for free meals. The host family will have to apply to be eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits

If there are questions regarding an issue with a child or youth enrolling in and attending class in a district please contact your District Homeless Liaison or contact Terry Teichrow, State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth at 406-444-2036 or tteichrow@mt.gov.

“The U.S. Department of Education is asking the Office of Public Instruction to keep track of the numbers of those children and youth who come into Montana. Please keep us informed, by e-mail, of the numbers and status of any students enrolling because of Hurricane Katrina,” concluded Superintendent McCulloch. “I would like to thank all students and schools who are participating in hundreds of local relief activities to aid the victims of this national disaster.”