ROGERS — Did you know that more than 33,000 children in northwest Arkansas are on the free and reduced lunch program?

Did you know that more than 60,000 residents in northwest Arkansas are living in poverty?

Did you know that 1,100 people in northwest Arkansas are homeless, and more than half are children?

The Rogers School District knows.

That is why we partner with United Way. Together we can help impact the education, income and health of our community.

Each year Rogers schools conduct fundraising events to help raise money for United Way. Events include:

• staff/student basketball and soccer games,

• opportunities for students to eat with their favorite teacher

• a dress-a-pumpkin contest

• pumpkin runs

• staff potluck lunches

• bake sales.

During the 2008-2009 school year, Rogers Public Schools raised more than $62,000 through staff pledges and fundraising events. Our district believes in Living United.

What does it mean to Live United? First, care about your community and work together to make northwest Arkansas a better place for everyone. Second, create opportunities to help people fulfill their potential and improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. Third, give — invest in your community. Fourth, advocate — champion the cause. Speak out to improve education, income and health. Fifth, volunteer — give your time. Whether it’s reading to children, coaching youth teams, delivering meals or leading financial literacy classes for hardworking families, there are hundreds of volunteer opportunities in our community. We all have something to contribute to our community — we just need to identify what it is, then take action.

We know that much more can be accomplished when we work together to inspire hope and create opportunities for everyone in our community.

Rogers Public Schools is proud to be a part of the Live United Campaign. We want to do everything we can to make sure our students are safe and given the best education possible. We believe through education they can fulfill their greatest potential and improve their quality of life. Our mission is to provide an environment of educational excellence where all belong, all learn and all succeed. We are a district dedicated to continuous improvement both in our schools and community.

Stephen Bowman is the assistant principal at Old Wire Road Elementary School.

Scholars, Pages 7 on 10/28/2009

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