St. Joseph Elementary School

By Anne Porto, Janet Folkerts, Joyce Park, Emily Haberkorn

About the town-Population: 4,008

-Estimated Median House Income: $58,607

-Race: 98% WhiteRetrieved from: http://www.city-data.com/city/St.-Joseph-Illinois.html

About the school population3 schools in the town (elementary, middle, and high school): 1,365 students total

Retrieved from: http://www.localschooldirectory.com/city-schools/St.-Joseph/IL

Needs within school community: In both the elementary and the middle school, 160 students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Blessings in a BackpackAssets of the community: Desire to give back and take care of one another

-Blessings in a Backpack-Provides food to students on weekends

-First Year-Started by Dana Rowland (PTC) and Amber Hughes

About the program-Was 157 students, now 77 students-Students’ identity is kept hidden-$80 feeds one student for 38 weekends-Paired with PTC and St. Joseph Women’s Club

Tuesday: Place food orderWednesday: Pack backpacksFriday: Food goes home

What’s in the backpack?-Can of soup-Fruit-Pasta-Granola bar-Oatmeal

Other perspectives/conflicts-Embarrassed

-Don’t need the help

-Some issues with teachers forgetting

How does the program benefit

the St. Joseph community?Blessings in a Backpack vision:Better test scores, improved reading skills, positive behavior, improved health and increased attendance have all been attributed to the success of this program.

Retrieved from http://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/

-Churches and community members involved

-Recognize that there are those in need

How will this help us as teachers?-Be aware that not all students have the same resources

-Effect of nourishment on academic achievement

-Take action

References-Interview with Dana Rowland-http://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/-http://www.leaderlandnews.com/news/education/2013-08-29/group-raising-funds-feed-children.html

-http://www.city-data.com/city/St.-Joseph-Illinois.html

-http://www.localschooldirectory.com/city-schools/St.-Joseph/IL