School’s Out

Ahh, the last week of school, remember that feeling?  We used to say, “No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks” and laugh together as we left school feeling so incredibly free. As students bask in their summer freedom this week, my heart is heavy thinking about next fall already.

I’m part of a non-profit organization, Connect, http://www.connectgcisd.org, which began four years ago to specifically address the needs of economically disadvantaged students in Grapevine Colleyville ISD.  Even in our affluent community, a stunning 1 in 4 students are economically disadvantaged.  For the past few years, Connect has worked with other community groups to sponsor a Back to School Fair for these children in which they receive all kinds of resources plus a new backpack and a complete grade level appropriate school supply pack. We believe that when the poorest children are equipped and ready to learn, all children in our community benefit.

So why the heavy heart?  We have a record 1600 children already pre-registered for the August 8 fair and only enough funds to provide school supplies for a little over half that number.

Since founding Connect, there have been several times when we’ve had to rely on faith and the goodwill of others to provide the resources for these children.  The need just seems a little daunting right now.

This week, as happy children shed their backpacks, used up supplies and books, I’m praying for full backpacks, for every child, this fall.

To directly purchase school supply packs for these children go to http://www.educationalproducts.com/shoppacks. School code GCE000, Or, you can donate to the GCISD Education Foundation/Connect, PO Box 292, Grapevine, TX 76099, write Connect School Supplies in the memo of your check. All funds will go directly to purchase school supplies.