By Eric Sims-Brown
The principal’s office is a mysterious, uncharted place with its own mythology. It’s the office no student wants to visit. The principal is a towering figure, one made of rules and authority. From this height the principal sees everything. “Sometimes, they’re shocked that we notice,” says Reeves Middle School Principal Aaron Davis. Davis isn’t talking about busting delinquents.
The Principal’s Emergency Checkbook Fund started in 2008. The program is run by the Olympia School District Education Foundation (OSDEF). The premise is simple. Anyone, be it teacher, custodian or cook, spots a child in need and brings it to the principal’s attention. Each school in the Olympia School District plus the Olympia Learning Academy are allocated funds. That money can be used to buy clothes for a child, food or even pay a bill. Says Davis, “I’ve actually paid power bills, water bills and I’ve talked to landlords and said ‘hey I can’t give you $1000, will you take $300?’”
The response from the community has been overwhelming. The money is typically raised through a breakfast fundraiser which nets around $20,000.
Beverley Sperry is the Coordinator for the OSDEF. She says, “we’ve had donations from private individuals, a small ladies’ club, the ‘change jar’ at a local business, memorial donations, matching gift donations from companies, even silent cash donations from folks who want no recognition.
Helping a student or a family is a delicate process. The conversations are all private. “Often times the parents are reluctant. They think its coming out of our pockets,” says Davis. “Once I explain how the money is raised is just changes the dialogue.” The same is true for businesses. Landlords, power companies, even grocery stores are more than willing to help once they hear about the program.
Reeves helps 25 to 35 kids a year. Most of the time a student needs basics like clothes. “If I take a student shopping they don’t go for designer jeans, they’re very frugal. They have a budget. Nine times out of ten the first things those kids will go for are underwear and socks,” says Davis.
The philosophy behind the fund is rooted in the idea that a student who isn’t getting his or her basic needs met isn’t going to do well in school. Davis, who grew up in situational poverty, believes education is a ticket out. “The one equalizing factor in American society is if you get a quality education, if you are provided a quality education, then you have options,” says the principal.
The fund is also a recognition of struggle. Any person, any family can be struck by hardship. Davis describes a student whose mom just lost her job. The mom found a new job but there was a gap between when she started and when she would get her first paycheck. The family didn’t have a lot of food in the house so Davis took the student shopping. “He picked out the groceries. He got to be the man of the house,” says Davis.
Another time Davis found out through one of his staff that a family had been without power and water for two months. He called and had everything back on the next day. The results? “My teachers noticed a huge difference. The students were much happier,” says Davis.
Of course Davis isn’t the only one reaching out and the OSDEF is doing other things besides the checkbook fund. To find out how you can help or to learn more visit their website. The fifth annual Foundation for Success Breakfast is slated for September 19 beginning at 7:00 am at the Olympia Center. For reservations, call 360.753.8853.
