Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem

Each year families prepare for the start of a new school year by purchasing learning tools (school supplies) for the fall. This is usually a time of excitement for all stakeholders. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed economic hardships on many families and the cost of learning tools will place a burden on families that are struggling to make ends meet. The 2020-21 school year will also pose unique challenges, because students may need to work from home at least part-time in order for schools to follow social distancing protocols. This will require families to have learning tools at home as well. In addition, technology costs will drive up the average cost of learning tools. According to the Huntington Backpack Index, the average cost of school supplies for an elementary school student in 2019 was $1,017.37.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 85% of students at Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem lived below the poverty line and 95% of our students are minorities. The increase in unemployment rates during the pandemic has disproportionately impacted African American and Hispanic communities. Therefore, we anticipate our poverty rate will increase during the 2020-21 academic year. Given the financial crisis, Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem feels compelled to support our entire school community by purchasing learning tools for school and home use despite the rising costs of operational expenses related to COVID-19 and the funding disparity we face each year as the oldest charter school in New York State. 

Learning tools provide needed structure for students and the tools needed to be successful. Without adequate learning tools, students are unable to access the full range of the curriculum and are at a disadvantage, which adds to the achievement gap. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic caused schools to close abruptly and transition to remote learning creating additional unintended inequities in education. It is vital that schools close learning gaps as quickly as possible whether students are in-person or learning remotely. Having adequate resources is the first step to ensuring that all students have access to the quality education that they deserve. 

Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem is committed to providing quality educational opportunities in-person and remotely and we are asking for your support in this endeavor. It is said that “It takes a village to raise a child” and we are asking for the support of our local and extended Jamii (Community) to help us ensure that our students have the tools and resources necessary to make the 2020-21 school year a success. 

We would like for Community Partners and Friends of Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem to “adopt” at least one student at $1,000 or contribute whatever you can to our Back to School Learning Tools Fund. Your contribution will go a long way towards ensuring that the future workforce has the foundational skills needed to be contributing members of their local communities and the world. All donations are tax deductible. In addition to your tax deduction letter, for all gifts of $1,000 or more, you will receive a personalized thank you letter from a Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem citizen and be listed on our dedicated web page for this initiative as a sponsor. Thank you in advance for your Wema (Kindness)! 

 
Your Partners in Education,
Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem
https://www.sisuluwalker.org/