Emergency Funding for BR Students

As many of you have seen in the news, Baton Rouge has been hit by catastrophic flooding that has displaced over 10,000 people. I am lucky enough to live on high ground and did not have to evacuate, but most of my fourth grade students live in North Baton Rouge, where the flooding has reached roof lines in some places. It has been difficult to contact famililes, but I anticipate that many of them have been evacuated. About 95% of our students are on free or reduced lunch, and it is likely that many of their parents were uninsured or underinsured. Some will have lost everything.

The trauma and instability following such a catastrophe will make it difficult for some students to return to school right away, and I am asking for your help to make that transition as easy as possible for my students and the students at our school. Many will need to replace their uniforms, shoes, bookbags, and some school supplies. Once we have spoken to more parents to assess needs, this funding will be used to put together care packages and gift cards that students and families at Children's Charter School can use to purchase anything they might need so that students can return to school as quickly as possible. Any excess funding will be extended to other schools in the area.

Anything you can contribute is greatly appreciated! Please share on Facebook as well.


(Dana Kiel is a 4th grade teacher at Children's Charter Elementary school. Funds will be withdrawn by her directly and transferred via check to the school's secretary.)