Aug 27 Benefits of the Back-to-School Season

(August 27, 2024)

It’s back to school for many students and this time of year can bring a rollercoaster of emotions for families. Whether kids are excited for or dreading their first day back, and whether parents are celebrating their children’s return to school buildings or not, the day has finally come and there are many benefits, besides academic ones, for children to be back in school. .

One clear benefit for many children returning to school is that while they are at school, they are being fed twice a day. Free meals in schools are a massive support to many families who may be struggling financially. Thankfully, as of last year, universal free school breakfast was made a reality across the state. This is much needed for the 60% of students in PA who qualify for free or reduced lunch. The fight continues to expand the state’s school meal program to include universal free lunch for all students in all school buildings. You can read more about this issue here.

Children may also be able to receive mental health services upon returning to school, which they may have missed out on during the summer. Allies for Children has been working to create a picture of what mental health programs look like across Allegheny County schools, and we have learned that while there is a lot that still needs to be done, there is a lot of amazing work being done in our schools and out-of-school time programs to support students’ mental health needs. The recently passed 2024-25 budget included $100 million for school-based mental health, and we are eager to see the impact that will have on schools.

Upon the start of a new school year, many schools will also be offering before and after school programming and extracurricular activities. These all fall under the umbrella of out-of-school time programs (OST), which are incredibly beneficial to students, as we learned in a blog from Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time earlier this year. For some families, these programs may be easier to access directly through their school district during the school year than they are during the summer, when programs can be very expensive and fill up quickly. This year’s budget included $11.5 million for the BOOST Program, which marks the first time that Pennsylvania has dedicated funding specifically for out-of-school time.

In addition to the programs and services mentioned above, schools provide even more vital services for their students. This includes things such as transportation, special education services, personalized learning, and career and technical education. These and many other programs are all critical pieces that can make or break a successful school year. Our schools are vital parts of our communities, offering services, supports, and a safe place upon which many families and kids depend and that are preparing our children for lifelong success. We at Allies for Children know very well, children receive more from going to school than just an education.

We hope everyone has a great school year and we look forward to supporting you on your journey!

Laura Condon, Allies for Children Project Coordinator