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The Ashwaubenon School District recognizes the unique needs of students and families living in transitional situations because of financial need. These students have certain educational rights under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.
Children who lack a regular, fixed or adequate nighttime residence, including those who live in any of the following situations are considered homeless:
- In a shelter, motel, hotel, vehicle, public place or campground
- On the street
- In an abandoned building, trailer or other inadequate accommodation
- Doubled up/sharing housing with friends or relatives due to limited financial resources
- Children of migrant workers
- Children who are abandoned or awaiting foster care
- Runaways
- Students not living with a parent or guardian
Preschool and school-aged children who are considered homeless have the right to:
- Go to school, no matter where he/she lives or how long he/she has lived there. They must be given access to the same public education, including preschool education, provided to other children.
- Continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless or the school they last attended, if that is the student/guardian’s choice and is feasible. If a school sends the child to a school other than the one requested, the school must provide the student/guardian with a written explanation and offer the right to appeal the decision.
- Receive transportation to the school they attended before becoming homeless or the school they last attended, if requested.
- Attend school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. Children cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless.
- Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.
- Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.
- Enroll and attend classes in the school of choice even while the school and student/guardian seek to resolve a dispute over enrollment.
- Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.
- Receive transportation to school and to school programs, free breakfast and lunch and school supplies
When a family moves, the unaccompanied student/guardian should do the following:
- Contact the school district’s homeless liaison. In Ashwaubenon, contact Andrea Pasqualucci apasqualucci@ashwaubenon.k12.wi.us, 920.492.2935 ext. 3323 for help with enrollment or arranging for the child to continue in his or her former school. (Or contact someone at a shelter, social services office or the school can provide information on who to contact.)
- Contact the school and provide any information that will assist the teachers in helping the student adjust to new circumstances.
- Ask the local school liaison, the shelter provider or a social worker for assistance with clothing and school supplies, if needed.
If further assistance is needed, call the National Center for Homeless Education toll-free helpline at 1.800.308.2145.
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