Homeless Students Notice

Everyone should be aware of the definition of “homeless” and the nature of our obligation to youth who meet that definition. If you are aware or become aware of any children or youth who meet the following definition of “homeless,” please contact the Marshall School District Homeless Liaison, Kristin Douma, at 608-655-1310 ext 504. The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes children and youth who:

• Share the housing of other persons due to the loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
• Are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations.
• Are living in emergency or transitional shelters.
• Are abandoned in hospitals.
• Are awaiting foster care placement.
• Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
• Are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.
• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above. If you become aware of a child who meets any of the above criteria, please contact the Director of Pupil Services, Curriculum and Instruction immediately.

Parents will be notified of the following:

• The availability of a local district staff person as a liaison for homeless children.
• Immediate enrollment and school participation, even if educational and medical records and proof of residency are not available.
• The availability of educational opportunities and related opportunities for homeless students (preschool to age 21), including unaccompanied youth.
• Enrollment and transportation rights, including transportation to the school of origin. “School of origin” is defined as the school the child attended when permanently housed or when last enrolled.
• Written explanation of why a homeless child is placed other than in a school of origin or school requested by the parent, with the right to appeal within the local dispute resolution process.
• Meaningful opportunities for parents to participate in the education of their children. For more information, visit the DPI Education of Homeless Children and Youth web pages.