Last night, the Alameda Unified School District Board of Trustees heard a presentation on implementation on the McKinney-Vento act, federal legislation intended to ensure that even homeless students attend public schools. November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.
According to the staff report, there are over 288,000 homeless youth in California, 111 of them attending Alameda schools, primarily at Ruby Bridges, Haight, Washington and Encinal schools.
Homeless youth are defined as those living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar situations; the key is that they have a primary overnight residence that is a public or private location not normally used for sleeping accommodation.
Grants from the McKinney-Vento act provide families of homeless youth with assistance for school registration, backpacks, school supplies, after-school care, and other school-related necessities.
Family Liaison Vickie Smith was recognized for her efforts to support homeless and transitional students.
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