Washing Machines Are Increasing School Attendance | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Washing Machines Are Increasing School Attendance

28
Washing Machines Are Increasing School Attendance
Whirpool Care Counts Program

Washing machines in schools are increasing attendance, according to the Business Insider.

Whirlpool donated a washer and dryer to 17 schools in Illinois and California during the 2016-2016 school year. Teachers and parents were instructed to wash clothing that students brought in to school, at no cost. As a result, Business Insider reports that 90% came to school more often, and 89% of students participated in class more regularly. The most important part of the study:

Almost of all of the students appeared to be more motivated.

This is what happens when schools continue to support the emotional and physical needs of low-income students, which go beyond reduced school lunches and 30 minutes of mandatory exercise. If a student who can't afford to wash clothes is given the chance to do so at school, they will feel more confident, which will improve their performance in academics and extracurriculars. After all, the subject of clean clothes is tough for families who can't afford to do laundry. The absence of clean clothing results in alienation and teasing, which of course, doesn't make children very excited about school.

Chaketa Riddle, The assistant superintendent of a Missouri school district, agrees. "[The students] feel that they belong in our school community," Riddle says. "They feel that we're a family.They feel that we support their needs and want to make fun and positive and exciting school experience for them."


Absenteeism is a huge problem in the United States. We've heard about students who don't have enough food to eat underperforming in schools, and kids not having access to computers, but children who can't afford to put clean clothes on every day was something that went unmentioned. Whirlpool's idea changes everything. They plan to expand their washing machine project, called Care Counts, to other school districts.

"I think you'll just continue to see that number grow year over year as we end up launching it nationally, In the long run, as evidenced by Arum and the kids from Fairfield and St. Louis, the small leg up that comes from clean clothes could lead to much higher achievement, says Whirlpool brand manager, Chelsea Lindstrom.

What I Think

Unfortunately, clothing is a huge focus when it comes to going to school. It's always an issue- some kids can't afford school uniforms, while other children get teased because of their clothing, which makes them feel insecure. I hope that Whirlpool can bring the Care Counts program to schools in Delaware. I am sure the results would be just as surprising.

The bottom line is, if we want children to come to school, we have to provide for them so they can successfully do so. Having clean clothes is a necessity for all students, and is key to helping them feel good about themselves. This initiative is a very good idea, and it solves some of the complexities that keep students from coming to school.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

2881
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

449371
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21609
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44629
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments