Editor’s note: Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Samuel Karns is providing a monthly newsletter which is designed to keep not only parents/guardians and district staff informed, but also the entire community. Shown below are some highlights from the October newsletter. Our apologies for the delay in getting this posted. The entire newsletter may be viewed here.
WUSD Strategic Priorities
Pupil Services
Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness: Understanding the McKinney-Vento Act
November is designated as National Homeless Awareness Month. In honor of this, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the homelessness experienced by children and families in the Whitewater Unified School District.
Over the past decade, WUSD staff have been working daily to provide support to students and families experiencing homelessness. In fact, in a school district of roughly 2,000 students, nearly 80 students, or 4%, experienced homelessness for part or all of the school year.
Every child deserves a stable and supportive education, regardless of their living situation. Unfortunately, many students face housing instability due to circumstances beyond their control. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that these students have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as their peers.
The McKinney-Vento Act provides federal protections and resources for students experiencing homelessness, which may include those living:
- In shelters or motels
- With relatives or friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- In cars, parks, or other public places not meant for regular sleeping
- Unaccompanied youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence
Under this law, students are entitled to:
- Immediate enrollment in school, even without typical documentation (such as proof of residency or immunization records)
- Transportation assistance to remain in their school of origin, if it is in the child’s best interest
- Access to school meals, extracurricular activities, and support services that promote academic success and stability
- Confidential support through a designated McKinney-Vento liaison, who helps families navigate enrollment, transportation, and community resources
WUSD is committed to identifying and supporting students who may be experiencing homelessness. Staff members receive training to recognize signs of housing instability and to connect families with the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison. The liaison works closely with families to remove barriers to education and link them to additional community supports such as food, clothing, and housing referrals.
If you know of a student or family who might be experiencing homelessness, please reach out to the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison, school principal, or me. Together, we can ensure that every child has a safe, consistent place to learn, grow, and succeed.
With kindness,
Dr. Lanora Heim
Director of Pupil Services
