Grace Durham, Director of Student Services & Finance

1126 E. Hwy WW, Marshall, MO 65340

Phone: 660-886-7414

Fax: 660-886-5641

The S.A.F.E. program was developed by Marshall Public Schools to help provide services to students and families in need of additional support to be academically successful. Family challenges due to housing instability, family structure, financial hardships, or other concerns can create a burden that sometimes carries over to the academic setting. S.A.F.E. program staff strive to assist every Marshall student in having the most positive educational experience possible. The S.A.F.E. program is an umbrella term used for any programs and resources offered through the Social Work Department. This program was initially based on the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act which stemmed from the No Child Left Behind Initiative. This is now known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and provides guidance and resources for serving students experiencing homelessness.  

The S.A.F.E. program recognizes that McKinney-Vento (educationally homeless) students are not the only ones affected by the sting of need. The S.A.F.E. program exists to also provide for students who are at-risk for homelessness, who are struggling financially, or have other educational barriers where extra support is needed. This portion of the S.A.F.E. program is entirely funded through donations. A Stuff the Bus event is held in late Summer at Wal-Mart. The MPS Transportation department parks a bus, and the community is encouraged to “stuff” it full of donated school supplies. An annual Golf Tournament is held at Indian Foothills Golf Course in late May to stimulate funds for the following school year. Private financial donations are also appreciated, as well as donations of school supplies, hygiene products, laundry detergent, bedding, new or gently used coats, etc. Please feel free to contact us for further information, or scan the QR code below to donate now.  We deeply appreciate your support. 

Follow the HOOT Resource Center on Facebook and on Instagram for upcoming events, information, and available resources.

The H.O.O.T. Programs are specifically designed to help address the unique challenges that students experiencing homelessness face. The Marshall Public School District adheres to the provisions of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This law minimizes educational disruptions experienced by students who are in transition or highly mobile.

Under McKinney-Vento, students in homeless situations are guaranteed the right to a free, appropriate, public education. When students become homeless, they can remain enrolled in the school they have been attending, although they might no longer meet residency requirements. McKinney-Vento also guarantees students in transition the right to enroll in a public school even if they lack the typically required documents and immunizations. In addition, McKinney-Vento eligible students are guaranteed the transportation they need to attend school.

According to McKinney-Vento, "homeless" can be defined as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including children and youth:

o   Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate housing

o   Living in emergency or transitional housing

o   Abandoned in hospitals

o   Awaiting foster care

o   Having a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for regular   

     sleeping accommodations

o   Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations

o   Migratory students meeting the descriptions above

To see if your family is eligible for McKinney Vento services please contact our Social Work Team.  Families can expect a one on one consultation with one of the Social Work Department staff, and will have access to the following resources:

Quality used clothing for MPS students and families. The SAFE program has limited funds to provide students with new clothing and shoes. Applications for assistance can be filled out at the beginning of the school year. However, at Owl & Co., students can access high quality, gently used, many name brand items throughout the school year. Donations are accepted when supplies run low. Needs are announced on the SAFE Program Facebook page.