INDIANAPOLIS – A teacher at Arsenal Technical High School has started collecting donations for students who are unable to attend class because they can’t afford the cost of uniforms.
IPS officials implemented a uniform policy this school year as a way to keep students focused on learning, but math teacher Brandon Newson said it’s impacting their education.
“When I started talking to more individual students, I realized that a lot of students were saying ‘well my mom already spent our money on other school clothes, we don't have money to spend on this,’” said Newson.
He posted a status on Facebook last week that read, “Today we started a uniform policy, and combined with the eclipse, we averaged around 9 percent attendance.”
His message caused the community to act, and was shared by more than 1,000 people. He said since the post, he began receiving donations from across the country. One package from South Carolina contained shirts and pants along with a handwritten note.
"I was taught that if you want something, you have to make it happen, because those might not always be given to you. But, I want to make sure these students here are given a chance, and for the ones that can't have those resources, I want to make sure they're on the same playing field as those that do,” said Newson.
Parents in need of assistance can request a waiver from the district, but they will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Newson said he has received almost 60 complete uniforms but is still in need of more pants and larger sizes.
Those interested in donating can find more information here.
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