ALICE, Texas — Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alice ISD has focused their efforts on students experiencing homelessness in their district.
The McKinney-Vento Act provides rights and services to children and youth experiencing homelessness across the nation. Through the federal program, the district has expanded their services and they've received attention for their efforts at a state level.
Alice ISD's Family Support Lesion David Canales said students who are experiencing homelessness carry a lot on their shoulders and that can prevent them from attending school. However, the McKinney-Vento Program helps Alice ISD provide them with resources to ease those issues.
"Our office tries to remove those barriers that way they’re on campus, they’re learning and focus on their studies," Canales said.
Through federal funding from the program, the district created the Coyote Corner and a pantry which provides students with clothes, hygiene items, food and more.
"We provide and that way they get to school, and they're learning and they don’t have to worry about what they have to put on themselves to get to school in the morning," Canales said.
Social workers like Natalie Colquitt play an important role in helping students find resources they need.
"We communicate those needs with Mr. Canales and his team and he gets all those resources to us and we get those to the family," Colquitt said.
Dr. Alma Garcia said the program allows all students to be on the same playing field with the resources they provide.
"We are taking away anything that will deter them from being able to participate not only in academics but in sports and any other avenues," Garcia said.
Director of Federal Programs for Region 2 recognized the Alice ISD as the best practicing example and invited Canales to present the district's efforts of the program.
"So that was an honor, Canales said. "We went over that we’re doing here in Alice ISD and she felt that it would be great to share with other school districts and service centers across the state."
Canales said Alice ISD does an excellent job to check on students who are part of the McKinney-Vento Program.
"Everyone is looking out for these kids," she said. "Usually, my mentality is if you see a need or hear of a need to reach out so, I think that’s one of the biggest assets our school district has is everyone is in communication and is looking out for the needs of these students."
Alice ISD hopes to add additional resources provided by the McKinney-Vento Program in the future.