By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Danya Claes’ job is to get rid of roadblocks to learning for students at Bowling Green City Schools. Those roadblocks could be empty stomachs, the lack of appropriate clothing, or not having hygiene products at home.
“My goal is to knock down the barriers,” said Claes, the student wellness coordinator for Bowling Green City Schools.
To achieve that goal, Claes relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations in the community to stock the shelves of the Bobcat Basics program, a district-wide pantry for Bowling Green City Schools students, including partner schools like Penta, Wood Lane and Pathe.
This pantry is supported by community contributions, with all donations to Bobcat Basics going directly to families in need throughout the community, Claes explained during the Bowling Green Board of Education meeting earlier this month.
Seventy BGCS students, across 37 households, were directly served by the student wellness program between mid-August and mid-December of this school year. In these cases, the whole family is served, including younger siblings and parents.
The main pantry is located in the BG Middle School, with mini pantries set up in all the other school buildings.
What’s in the pantry?
School supplies, food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, clothes (including winter coats, hats and gloves), shoes (by request), underwear and socks.
How does it work?
All staff in the district have been informed that there is a pantry available to BGCS students. When needs arise and are communicated to BGCS staff, the school counselors, principals or nurses put in a referral to the student wellness coordinator to communicate with the family on how to best assist.
During the school day, students are served via the school counselors, nurses and principals if they need items such as a change of clothes and snacks.
As student wellness coordinator, Claes focuses on the whole child, requiring the district to be aware and responsive to the social and emotional well-being of the students.
According to Claes, students must feel physically and emotionally safe and feel a sense of belonging to their school. When students experience these, the stage can be set for them to reach their fullest learning potential.
Parents and guardians are always welcome to communicate directly with the student wellness coordinator.
The goal is “to break down as many barriers as possible to get families what they need.”
Claes can be reached at dclaes@bgcs.k12.oh.us.
Also at the meeting earlier this month, the board of education was told of a donation from the Bowling Green Youth Baseball program.
Tim Dunn, president of the youth baseball board, noted the donation of lighting equipment previously used at Carter Park to the Bobcat varsity baseball program. The company installing new LED lighting at Carter Park estimated the gift to the Bobcat program at $100,000.
“We felt it was important to make this community-minded donation to head coach Fred Riggs and the entire Bobcat baseball program,” Dunn said. “This should certainly enhance the facility and help in the future vision of their program.”
School board member Tracy Hovest commended Dunn for the donation.
“Thank you, Tim. You’ve always been a big supporter of Bowling Green baseball,” Hovest said.
