Dear Parents and Guardians,
As the timeline runs out for the U.S. Census, I wanted to pass along some key information in the event you haven’t taken time to complete the census until now. The U.S. Census impacts our school and other local community agencies when it comes to certain state and federal funding opportunities, including grant applications.
Here are some key areas the census impacts for schools. The 2020 census count impacts the federal funds that communities receive each year for programs and services that are critical for schools, students, and younger children, such as:
- Title I, II, III, and IV Grant Funding
- Special Education Grant Funding
- Head Start
- After-School Programs
- National School Lunch Program (including free and reduced-price school lunches)
- Maternal and Child Health Programs
The census can be taken online, by phone, or by mail. Here is a helpful link for those looking to complete the census online. CENSUS LINK
The census can be completed by phone. To begin, call 1-844-330-2020. You will receive questions based on your household on April 1, 2020. You can see the questions ahead of time by visiting the question link provided. CENSUS QUESTIONS
The mailed response can be completed by completing the form mailed to you by the U.S. Census. If you cannot find that information please refer to the information above.
The reason I wanted to let everyone know how to complete the census is due to a change in the last day to collect information. The final day to complete the census is Sept. 30th 2020.
I also wanted to share with parents, Oct. 1st is the final day for free and reduced forms to continue from the beginning of the year. Even with our free lunch program you need to complete a form each year to ensure you receive your textbook reduction. The forms also help an accurate count that impacts the school in many ways and our local taxpayers, one example would be our internet service. We currently see an 80% reduction in internet service in the schools due to our free and reduced rate. This is a monthly savings to all taxpayers of approx. 10,000 dollars a month. If you still need to complete your form you can do so by printing an application at this F&R LINK. You can also call your child’s school for more information or visit your Skyward Family Access.
Sincerely,
Mr. Rod Hite, SuperintendentSwitzerland County School Corporation
