Newport Independent Schools certified teaching staff will learn the harsh realities of living in poverty – like many of the school district’s families – on Tuesday, Feb. 21, during a day-long Community Action Poverty Simulation.
The Simulation – which takes place at Newport High School during an in-service day for teachers and staff – is designed to help participants understand the realities of poverty during a role-playing exercise.
“This program will help our teachers understand the complexities and frustrations of living day-to-day in poverty,” said Assistant Newport Superintendent Amy Gilkison, who helped organize the simulation. “With a greater awareness of its impact, we can more effectively address the poverty issues in Newport.”
Using simulation kits, teachers will play the roles of low-income family members in situations that include the disabled, senior citizens living on Social Security and families on public assistance. They will have the stressful task of providing for basic necessities and shelter on a limited budget during the course of four 15-minute “weeks” as they interact with human service agencies, grocers, pawnbrokers, bill collectors, job interviewers, police offices and others.
The simulation includes a morning session from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and an afternoon session from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Poverty is widespread in Newport. Consider these statistics:
- 30 percent of Newport residents live in poverty, compared to 18.5 percent statewide in Kentucky.
- 49.1 percent of Newport residents 18-years-old and younger live in poverty, compared to 26.1% percent statewide.
- Median household income in Newport is $34,734, compared to $43,740 statewide.
- 11.4 percent of Newport residents live on an annual income under $10,000, compared to 5.8 percent statewide.
- 91 percent of the students who attend Newport schools qualify for free and reduced lunch.
“Poverty is an everyday reality in Newport,” Gilkison said. “Understanding that will help our teachers deal with it.”
Newport High School is located at 900 E. Sixth St. in Newport.
Newport Independent Schools
