Every student counts—how you can help the Census help your school

More than a billion dollars every year. That’s what’s at stake for Michigan schools when it comes to the U.S. Census count. The reason is simple—how many citizens we have determines the level of Title I, special education and free and reduced lunch funding we receive. It also determines how much federal money is available for tuition loans and grants to Michigan college students. With our schools still reeling from devastating budget cuts, it is more important than ever that every Michigander is counted—and that everyone return their Census forms on time.

It’s so crucial that MEA President Iris K. Salters has dedicated her entire column in the Detroit News tomorrow to encouraging all of us to stand up and be counted. School employees across Michigan are doing their part by volunteering to be Census takers, using the Census as part of their curriculum and spreading the word about what the Census could mean for all of us.

So how can you help? Talk to your students and parents about the role they can play in the Census. Download free lesson plans and activities from www.census.gov/schools and share them with your classes. Explain how an accurate count will help your school district and why the time to stand up is now. Then, e-mail Kerry Birmingham at kbirmingham@mea.org to share what you’re doing. We may use your story to inspire others!

Updated: February 23, 2010 2:11 PM