After struggling for four years to enroll her children in school, an Atlanta mother, whose identity is being protected, finally saw all of her children return to the classroom last month. The family had faced numerous obstacles, including poverty, paperwork, and the mother’s depression, which prevented them from resuming their education. The pandemic further exacerbated the situation, leaving thousands of students across America absent from classrooms and struggling with online learning.
The Atlanta Public Schools district received federal recovery funds to help students recover from pandemic learning losses, but communication breakdowns and lack of contact hindered efforts to reach out to the struggling family. After an AP reporter brought attention to the issue, the district finally made efforts to contact the family, including involving the state’s child welfare department. Eventually, a deadline was set for the children to enroll in school, with the threat of foster care looming if they did not comply.
Financial support from a refundable child tax credit in March provided the mother with the means to replace her broken phone and complete the necessary paperwork for school enrollment. However, the process was complicated, requiring a minimum of eight documents, including a notarized affidavit. The mother had lost crucial documents when her partner passed away during the height of the pandemic chaos, leaving her in a difficult situation financially and logistically.
Despite the challenges, the mother was determined to get her children back to school and give them a fresh start. The involvement of child welfare services and the school district helped her focus on enrolling her children, even though she initially believed the school year was lost. The district also raised questions about the family’s residency, which the mother found surprising and expressed a desire to cooperate to resolve any doubts.
Although the children have now been provisionally admitted to school, there are still requirements to meet, including health evaluations and documentation. The mother has yet to fulfill these requirements, but the district has offered spots in summer school for the children to continue their education. The family’s struggle highlights the complexities and challenges faced by many families, especially during the disruption caused by the pandemic, in ensuring that children have access to education and support to thrive. Despite the difficult journey, the successful enrollment of the children marks a significant achievement for the family.
