Education and the movie Straw

A household with meager wages can mean not being able to qualify for free or reduced lunch

The science project
Was showing that parents do care about their child’s education even while struggling to keep things together

Working can lead to a person struggling even more
Meager wages can sometimes help families disqualify for means-tested benefits, such as free school lunch. Even with the main character low wages it may have too much to qualify for free or reduced lunch. That’s why schools with universal free lunch programs where all students eat for free regardless of income can be a big help to struggling families.

Welcoming Schools
School personnel often play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment for the families they serve. In many cases, the principal becomes the face of the school and influences how staff members view and interact with families on a daily basis. Even when the main character saw the principal face that may have been how the principal look everyday

The myth of CPS
The looming threat of Child Protective Services (CPS) can intimidate families, making them hesitant to ask for resources or delaying them from seeking help until it’s too late. This fear can create an additional barrier for families already facing hardship.

She should move out of the hood
Moving to areas closer to family may have not been option
For some children, school may be the only source of stability in their lives. Because of this, families may be reluctant to move even if better housing becomes available out of concern that transferring schools could disrupt their child’s routine and support system. A new school means adjusting to unfamiliar staff and procedures, which can be an added challenge during already stressful times.

Connecting education to the movie Straw