LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — When we think about back to school, the focus mainly falls on students. However, teachers are just as connected to the return to the classroom and need help getting prepared for it.
That’s what makes the Back to School Fair at Desert Breeze Community Center so important for educators like Nancy Kunz.
“I was looking forward to coming back because some of the supplies I didn’t even use them all throughout the year and they carried over so. I’m happy to come again and share with some of the newbies that weren’t able to come today,” Kunz said.
Kunz has taught in the valley for 28 years, knowing well the challenges of supplying students with what they need to succeed.
Oftentimes, out of her own pocket.
“Anything that comes from the community that I don’t have to buy myself is awesome. I still do buy for myself, though,” Kunz said.
For the last three years, Clark County leaders have hosted this supply fair for teachers to help get them what they need before students return.
“I know how difficult it is for students and for teachers. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to provide a little bit of resources for all of the teachers that are teaching our kids,” Clark County District F Commissioner Justin Jones said.
In particular, this support goes a long way for educators at ‘Title I’ schools, often working with families struggling financially.
“Sometimes the parents aren’t able to buy everything they need on the supply list right away. This gives us a chance to where we’re not scrambling,” Kunz said.
“With some Title I money, we’re able to do after school tutoring for our second language students to help them with their speaking, listening and writing skills.”
Title I provides federal funding for schools to help students and families facing financial and/or cultural challenges.
The hope for county leaders is that community support through fairs like this can help close that gap ever so slightly.
“We’re serving the needs of those teachers that provide services to those schools where there are kids who really have tremendous amount of needs,” Jones said.
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