SAU 16 Receives Grant Funding From The Children's Community Fund

EXETER, NH — The effects of poverty on a child’s education can be long-lasting.

Sometimes, even the smallest bit of support can have the largest impact.

SAU 16 schools have been awarded a significant grant by The Children’s Community Fund in Exeter to assist families in need. Each SAU 16 school — in Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham — is receiving $500 to $1,000 toward the purchase of winter accessories.

“Students who don’t have their basic needs met don’t engage in learning. That can be caused by lack of access to breakfast, or a warm home, or clothing,” Ryan McCluskey, the principal at the Lincoln Street School, said. “Students often come in dysregulated.”

Building administrative teams identify families and students in need through collaboration with nursing staff and school counselors. Families are approached privately about receiving support, and are given a voucher for a winter coat, mittens, and boots.

“When a child has received help, I see a student who is happy to come through the doors every day, a child who has increased confidence,” McCluskey said. “They become more successful in the classroom and with their peers, because they have one less thing to spend their brain power on. You can focus on being a kid.”

The donations support the District’s community in providing a welcoming environment that will support access to education.

“There is a very large disparity in our community of those who have, and those who have a lot of need,” Bonnie Galinski, a board member of the Exeter Area Charitable Foundation that supports the Children’s Fund, said. “The Community Children’s Fund is a fantastic way for us to immerse ourselves in the fabric of the community and make sure that families have what they need without asking for it.”

The benefits of this generosity extend beyond the child.

“When we play some role to meet basic needs, we can build a relationship with the family. That allows make it easier for them to ask for help, which is hard to do,” McCluskey said. “The level of gratitude that we see from families, it warms your heart.”

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Andriski added, “We're grateful for our partnership with The Community Children's Fund, which helps support our mission, including providing fair access to resources and support. We know that students learn best when they feel safe and secure, so the Fund's efforts have had a measurable impact.”

Submitted by SAU 16