What I've Learned
The schools in the Philadelphia school district are suffering from budget cuts and debt. Children at these schools are at or below the poverty level coming to school having had no breakfast and so tired that they fall asleep in class. Unfortunately these schools as well are suffering from the loss of money. Teachers say they have to bring their own supplies for their students who come with nothing. Some teachers say they even have to bring their own cleaning supplies including toilet paper. These supplies that the teachers bring, are from the teacher’s personal money. It’s amazing what these schools don’t have the money for. Because of the schools’ budgets some schools have had to cut art and music classes out of the curriculum to save money. Some students say the only reason they go to school is because of art, but now, they are devastated with the loss of their favorite class. Music is also being cut and for those students who need a creative outlet, this is problematic. Those who can afford it go to private school, while those who can't need our help getting the supplies they need.
Everyone Needs a Crayon
Have you ever sat down at a restaurant and been given crayons? You use them, eat, pay, and walk out, and never think about those crayons again, right? Well usually those crayons get thrown out. What a waste! Many thousands of crayons are thrown out each year by people who don't want them anymore. Everyone Needs a Crayon is an organization where we collect these otherwise trashed crayons and give them to young children in the Philadelphia public schools. The Philadelphia District Schools are running out of money resulting in art class loss. So next time you get a crayon from a restaurant, or you are done with your ones at home, drop them in one of our donation boxes and help children get crayons to use at school. Every Crayon counts!
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(Picture from Pixabay.com)
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Sources
- http://www.npr.org/2013/11/21/246413432/weighing-the-role-of-poverty-in-philadelphia-s-schools
- http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/17/education/budget-cuts-reach-bone-for-philadelphia-schools.html?_r=2
- http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Philly-Students-Face-Uncertainties-School-Cutbacks-Music-212290071.html
- http://articles.philly.com/2015-06-27/news/63865442_1_art-class-art-program-picasso
- http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/11/04/360146623/philadelphia-schools-another-year-another-budget-crisis
- http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/philadelphia-schools-crippled-budget-crisis/