After our initial year of ordering supplies for schools we found teachers began asking for items beyond basic classroom supplies.  They were looking for different types of classroom supplies; Kindergarten classes needed magnetic alphabet letters, other classrooms needed comprehensive (and expensive) reading programs.  Staff at one school put on a yearly fall festival because many of their students had never been to a pumpkin patch and they needed funds to help pay for some of these activities.  They understood the importance of creating a strong community for students and families in and out of the classroom.  While the teachers knew what their students needed for success they needed funding to help implement their plans.   

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the annual average learning gain for students in kindergarten through second grade is higher than at any time during a child’s years in school.  And the ability to read proficiently by fourth grade is so important that not doing so often puts kids on track to drop out of high school.  The outcomes of elementary education such as proficient reading skills by fourth grade and social competence; the ability for students to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships, demonstrate positive play and interactions with peers are believed by many to be a component of future academic and social success.  (American Institute of Research Predictors for Postsecondary Success).  

Many of us recognize poverty has negative impacts on children and schools need more funding but beyond that we aren’t sure what to do.  Through building relationships with partner schools Murphy’s Backpacks is able to offer financial support to the teachers who know why our youth are falling in the river.

How can we help?