Commonwealth of Virginia

Department of Education

P. O. Box 2120

Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 114

July 11, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Conference

School divisions have received information regarding the upcoming National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Conference October 16-18, 2003, at the Crystal City Hyatt Regency in Arlington, Virginia. This conference will be convened and co-hosted by the Virginia Department of Educations Project HOPE, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Center for Homeless Education, and the Maryland Department of Education.

As school divisions move into the second year of implementing the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the new responsibilities for policies and practices found in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act (Title X, Part C), this conference will assist school personnel in understanding the needs and resources available to support children and youth experiencing homelessness.

The conference also will provide an opportunity for local liaisons to communicate with key state department staff, school division staff, and community service providers about ways to improve the academic achievement of thousands of students in homeless situations. Each division is encouraged to send its local homeless education liaison to the conference. Title I educators/officials, community advocates, counselors, emergency shelter providers, school division administrators, and other local service providers concerned with the education of homeless children and youth will find the conference to be very helpful.

U.S. Department of Education and Virginia Department of Education staff will conduct sessions and be available to answer questions about McKinney-Vento and No Child Left Behind. I have the pleasure of providing welcoming remarks Friday morning and Jonathan Kozol, renowned author, will provide the keynote address Friday evening. Details regarding the conference, including registration materials can be reviewed at www.wm.edu/education/HOPE/NAEHCY/NAEHCY.php. If you have questions about the conference, please call Patricia Popp at 757-221-4002 or email at homlss@wm.edu.

JLD/LPdF/shs