My school has a wonderful, but needy group of students.
We have a transient, high needs, high poverty population.
Over one third of our student population are English Language Learners (English is not their first language). We have students from 12 countries in our building. The primary languages spoken by our students are English, Spanish, French, and Swahili.
Hygiene, unclean clothing, trauma, chaotic home life, and lack of food are common concerns among this population. Despite these concerns, parents are very supportive.
My Project
Several of my female students come to school unkempt, messy, and dressed without an awareness of their developing bodies. In addition, hygiene is a concern.
Every girl deserves to feel pretty!
It is my desire to have a small cupboard of supplies known only to the girls. It will have items such as: age-appropriate bras/ribbed tanks for their developing bodies; tween maxi pads; washcloths to remove oil from tween faces; hair bows/ties/bands/brushes for those who come daily with unkempt hair; body wipes for those who are not able to take showers; lip balm that is fun and will promote good lip health; lavender hand lotion to help those with stressful, chaotic home lives; and a fun girly bag to put supplies in.
I have tried calling some of our families about the girls who need bras, but many of our parents do not speak english and my message does not seem to be getting through.
It makes me sad when a girl day after day comes in with unkempt hair (not just bedhead), but neglected hair. Even with my simple modification of brushing and putting the girl's hair in a rubber band, the girl leaves me feeling happier. It is amazing how one simple intervention can change a child's outlook for the day. Imagine how much better it could be if she got a special hair bow and brush to use each day. Or if I could teach her how to do her own hair?
After nearly twenty years as a school counselor, I have found the simplest things can truly change a child's life. These children often have very chaotic and violent home lives. Providing simple essentials (that I know I often take for granted) can mean making a girl feel special, pretty, and confident.
Lip Rageous Assorted Lip Balm -120 Count
• Amazon Business
$57.99
1
$57.99
(5-Pack) Premium 12 in. x 12 in. Microfiber Facial Towels ~ Ultra Soft and Gentle Luxury Makeup Remover Wash Cloths with Silky Satin Border ~ TRC Skin Care
• Amazon Business
$18.95
3
$56.85
Spa Party Mini Tote Bags (1 Dz)
• Amazon Business
$14.99
3
$44.97
Handy Hair Brush Glitter Design by Conair Smash - Wholesale Bulk Set of 4
• Amazon Business
$12.25
3
$36.75
Adorlee Hand Cream, Lavendar, 5.2 oz
• Amazon Business
$5.99
5
$29.95
Yes To Coconut Cleansing Wipes, Brown, 30 Count
• Amazon Business
$4.27
5
$21.35
U By Kotex Tween Ultra Thin Pad, 16 Count (Pack of 2)
• Amazon Business
$13.94
1
$13.94
Maidenform Girl Big Girls' Slim Seamfree Crop Bra (Pack of 2), Nude/White, Large
• Amazon Business
$13.00
1
$13.00
Maidenform Girl Big Girls' Slim Seamfree Crop Bra (Pack of 2), Nude/White, Small
• Amazon Business
$13.00
1
$13.00
Kenz Laurenz 12 Pack Glitter Headbands U PICK (Available in LOTS of COLORS) - Elastic Stretch Sparkly Fashion Headband for Teens Girls Women Softball Volleyball Basketball Sports Teams Set Hair Accessories Store (Solid Assortment)
• Amazon Business
$11.98
1
$11.98
Thick Seamless Cotton Hair Bands, Simply Hair Ties Ponytail Holders Headband Scrunchies Hair Accessories No Crease Damage for Thick Hair (Mix Colors)
• Amazon Business
$10.89
1
$10.89
Pink House Girls' 3 Piece Rib Seamless Tank, White/Black/Grey, 7-16
• Amazon Business
$5.15
2
$10.30
Fruit of the Loom Big Girls' Seamless Bralette, White/Violet, 28(Pack of 2)
• Amazon Business
$10.00
1
$10.00
Maidenform Girl Big Girls' Slim Seamfree Crop Bra (Pack of 2), Nude/White, Medium
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
HipGirl Boutique Girls Pinwheel Hair Bow Snap Clips/Barrettes, Multi Color, 1.5 Inch
• Amazon Business
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