Community Chat

[Marp]

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Aug. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Teachers around the country estimate that nearly one in five students struggle with access to clean clothes. This seemingly small barrier can have a significant impact on a student's academic experience. More than half of teachers surveyed believe these students are more likely to struggle with absenteeism, a critical issue impacting an estimated five to 10 million students each year.

To further examine how the simple act of laundry can impact attendance rates, Whirlpool brand is introducing the Care Counts™ program, a laundry program offering students access to washers and dryers in their schools. In the first year, the program provided approximately 2,000 loads of clean clothes to students across two school districts. After examining the correlation between student attendance and loads of laundry washed and dried, over 90% of tracked students in the first year of the program improved their attendance, averaging 6.1 more days in school than the previous year. The program impacted the most at-risk participants1 even more, with an average of nearly two more weeks in school than the previous year.  

"Every single day of school matters. When students miss school, they are missing an opportunity to learn," said Martha Lacy, principal, David Weir K-8 Academy. "Absenteeism strongly impacts a student's academic performance. In fact, students with excessive absence rates are more likely to fall behind, graduate late and even drop out."

Students in the pilot program improved more than just attendance rates. Teachers surveyed saw that:

• 95% of participants showed increased motivation in class
• 95% of participants were more likely to participate in extracurricular activities
• 95% of participants interacted with peers and enjoyed school more
• 89% of participants got good grades

"When we learned that a child's education could be at risk because they do not have access to clean clothes, we were determined to help," said Chelsey Lindstrom, brand manager, Whirlpool brand. "It's incredible to see how the simple act of laundry can have such a profound impact on students' lives and we are excited to bring this resource to even more schools across the country."

More:  http://finance.yahoo.com/news/care-counts-school-laundry-program-160300611.html

[SharkE]

just start a flame so I deleted all my comments

[Ms X]

Why don't the schools report the parents of these students who "don't have access to clean clothes" or whatever the ridiculous rubbish of the day is?  This is a sign of neglect that is undoubtedly more extensive than just clean clothes.  Is the parent on drugs?  Is she/he spending money that should go for the children and necessities of life on other things?  Is she/he leaving the kids home alone or doing other things that endanger them?

It makes no sense for society to take on even more parenting duties out of some kind of misplaced compassion.  This kind of thing indicates a problem within the home that should be investigated and dealt without in a more permanent and productive fashion.

[hennypenny]

When a family must decide between paying rent, buying food or doing laundry it is tragic.

I have been involved with the school system all my adult life. We have washed children in bathroom sinks, bought them clothing and shoes. Sometimes circumstances become dire, and it is the children that suffer. I can't imagine turning my back.

[Marp]

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@hennypenny wrote:

When a family must decide between paying rent, buying food or doing laundry it is tragic.

I have been involved with the school system all my adult life. We have washed children in bathroom sinks, bought them clothing and shoes. Sometimes circumstances become dire, and it is the children that suffer. I can't imagine turning my back.

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Thank you.  I think you will find this article of interest and clearly will be able to relate.  http://www.today.com/parents/schools-find-one-simple-answer-attendance-problem-washing-machines-t101...

[Ms X]

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@hennypenny wrote:

When a family must decide between paying rent, buying food or doing laundry it is tragic.

I have been involved with the school system all my adult life. We have washed children in bathroom sinks, bought them clothing and shoes. Sometimes circumstances become dire, and it is the children that suffer. I can't imagine turning my back.

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Do they live someplace with no water?  Wouldn't that place be condemned?  If they need to be washed at school, did the school call Child Protective Services so that they can investigate? 

[SXMGirl]

I think what Whirlpool is doing is fantastic.  I also agree that parents should be responsible.  That said, as a retired teacher, I have seen so much that most people would never believe.  I had a student who lived with a parent and step-parent who was not permitted to live in the home but only on the back porch.  I had another student whose parents had died and lived in a rooming house.  He was 15.  Another student whose parents were severly disabled but were such heavy smokers that she and her clothes reeked of smoke even though she did not smoke.  Schools do provide showers to those students who need them, but that does no good if the clothes are filthy.

It is unfortunate that schools have, in too many cases, taken over the job of parenting.  However, I really see no choice.  Unless the court system requires parenting classes in these situations, which will cost most tax dollars, I see no way out of this.

Different times call for different measures.  I always tried to instill good values with my students and I also talked and practiced what I call "real life."  For some it worked and for some it did not.  Parents, no matter how unqualifed they are to be parents, have a strong pull on their children and often these children find out too late of the mistakes, some severe, that their parents have made.  I fear for many of these children.

[Ms X]

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@SXMGirl wrote:

I think what Whirlpool is doing is fantastic.  I also agree that parents should be responsible.  That said, as a retired teacher, I have seen so much that most people would never believe.  I have had students who lived with a parent and step-parent who was not permitted to live in the home but only on the back porch.  I had another student whose parents had died and lived in a rooming house.  He was 15.  Another student whose parents were severly disabled but were such heavy smokers that she and her clothes reeked of smoke even though she did not smoke.  Schools do provide showers to those students who need them, but that does no good if the clothes are filthy.

It is unfortunate that schools have, in too many cases, taken over the job of parenting.  However, I really see no choice.  Unless the court system requires parenting classes in these situations, which will cost most tax dollars, I see no way out of this.

Different times call for different measures.  I always tried to instill good values with my students and I also talked and practiced what I call "real life."  For some it worked and for some it did not.  Parents, no matter how unqualifed they are to be parents, have a strong pull on their children and often these children find out too late of the mistakes, some severe, that their parents have made.  I fear for many of these children.

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Doesn't the school make a referral to Child Protective Services when there is clearly neglect of a child?  I don't see how they wouldn't.  That way, they can figure out what the root problem is and work on fixing it.  If the family is homeless, they can get them into a shelter and find them someplace to live.  If the parent is on drugs or otherwise endangering the child, they must deal with that.  These things are a symptom of a larger problem in the family.  Washing machines in the schools is beyond ridiculous.

[bri20]

I certainly don't begrudge a child clean clothes.

But something is going on at home that a child is going to school with dirty clothes.  I'm sure there are a variety of reasons for this.  Schools are taking the place of parents now.  Not sure that's a good idea...