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Putnam County R-I Caring Corner

August 28, 2019

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When our students are at school, we expect reading, writing, and arithmetic to be at the front of their thought process. However, there are so many things that influence a student's thought process that seem out of our control. There is a cartoon that has gone viral on social media. It's a picture of a student carrying many full bags labeled with challenges--hunger, illness, homelessness. It reads, "Can someone help me? I'm late for math class."

Every student comes to us with a different "baggage". The loads they carry vary in shape and size, and more times than not, many are carrying a load much too large. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs tells us that we must meet each student's physiological needs such as food, shelter, and love before they are able to remember, understand, and apply what they are learning. My hope for the Caring Corner is that it makes it a little easier for our students to balance their academics with any of the "baggage" they may be carrying. 

The following items are things that are frequently needed by students in our school:

• Deodorant
• Body wash & bar soap
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Toothbrush & toothpaste 
• Ponytail holders, brushes/combs
• Feminine products (Pads, tampons, panty liners)
• Lotion
• Face wash
• Lice treatment
• Underwear and Socks (ALL SIZES!)
• Individually packaged snacks and drinks

This list is far from all-inclusive but I feel like it will be a good start to lessening our student's burdens! If you would like to donate, the Caring Corner will be in the Nurse's Office, located in the Elementary, Room 24. You may drop items off their during school hours, send them with your student, or contact me at soverton@putnamcountyr1.net or 660-947-3361, ext. 319 to arrange for pick up.