In the heart of the Monterey Peninsula, a remarkable initiative is underway to address the pressing issue of student homelessness. Under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent Donnie Everett, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) is pioneering innovative programs that provide comprehensive support to vulnerable youth.
A Career Driven by Compassion
Donnie Everett’s journey to his current role was not a linear one. Initially drawn to marriage and family therapy, his experiences as a school counselor in Sacramento ignited a passion for supporting students in need. “I began to hear these student stories, and it was the eye-opener for me about how the school environment and the educational system have an obligation to really work on basic needs, and meet those as best as we can before we even get to the academic expectations,” Everett reflects.
This realization led him to embrace a holistic approach to student support, focusing not only on academics but also on addressing the social, emotional, and behavioral challenges students face. His dedication to creating a supportive learning environment for all students has been instrumental in driving positive change within the MPUSD.
A Multi-Tiered Approach to Student Support
The MPUSD’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework is a cornerstone of their approach to addressing student homelessness. This tiered system provides a structured method for identifying and responding to student needs, ensuring that all students receive the appropriate level of support for staying in school and hopefully thriving.
“We adopted a framework specifically for our McKinney-Vento response and supports around a tiered system,” Everett explains. “Tier One asks how are we identifying our families? The most important thing we need to do is make sure we know who our families are, gather that information so that we can be prepared to then respond.”
Tier One involves identifying families experiencing homelessness and providing general resources and support. Tier Two focuses on ongoing support and check-ins for students with moderate needs, while Tier Three provides intensive case management for students facing significant challenges, particularly those related to housing instability.
Innovative Programs Addressing Housing Insecurity
The MPUSD has developed several groundbreaking programs to address the critical issue of housing insecurity for homeless students. One such program is a partnership with Motel Six, which provides emergency hotel stays for families in need. This initiative has been instrumental in providing temporary shelter for families facing immediate housing crises.
Another innovative program is the Family for Housing Program, which assists families in securing permanent housing by covering the upfront costs of rent and security deposits. This program has helped numerous families transition out of homelessness and into stable living situations.
“We have seen significant data showing a major improvement in attendance, measuring the students’ educational progress in terms of their grades and assessments… These have been really, really exciting programs that we’ve been able to offer that have had significant impact,” Everett says.
The Power of Advocacy and Community Engagement
Mr. Everett emphasizes the importance of advocacy and community engagement in addressing the growing crisis of youth homelessness. He encourages educators to share their experiences and advocate for increased funding and support at the local, state, and federal levels.
“It’s going to take advocacy on a level that we haven’t seen, are not used to, or maybe don’t have a lot of knowledge about, but it really is going to take major advocacy, work, support, and showing the impact through reliable data,” Everett asserts.
Conclusion
By raising awareness and advocating for change, educators can play a crucial role in ensuring that homeless students receive the support they need to succeed.
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District’s innovative approach to supporting homeless students is a model for other districts across the country. Under the leadership of Donnie Everett, the district has demonstrated that by prioritizing student needs, providing comprehensive support, and fostering partnerships with the community, it is possible to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable youth.
As the crisis of youth homelessness continues to grow, it is imperative that educators and policymakers adopt innovative solutions and advocate for increased support. The MPUSD’s experience offers valuable insights and inspiration for those working to address this pressing issue.
Donnie Everett’s Passion for NAEHCY
Donnie Everett’s commitment to supporting homeless students extends far beyond his role at the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. A dedicated member of the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY), Everett hopes to be a driving force in advancing the organization’s mission and fostering collaboration among educators nationwide.
Everett’s involvement with NAEHCY began with his attendance at the organization’s annual conferences, where he was inspired by the shared experiences and innovative approaches of educators from across the country. Recognizing the power of collective action, Everett became a passionate advocate for NAEHCY’s mission to provide resources, training, and support to educators working with homeless students.
As a new member of the NAEHCY Board, Everett looks forward to helping shape the organization’s direction and priorities. His expertise in multi-tiered systems of support and his deep understanding of the challenges faced by homeless students will be invaluable contributions to the board’s discussions and decision-making.
Sources:
https://the.mpusd.net/selgrant
https://www.mpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1424772&type=d&pREC_ID=2567753
https://www.mpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1081969&type=d&pREC_ID=2566953
https://www.mpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1081969&type=d&pREC_ID=2566955