Please Make Sure PCPS Students are Counted in 2020 Census

Please help the children of Ponca City and Oklahoma. The Ponca City Public School System is asking everyone to do their part to make sure every child counts in the 2020 Census.

The federal government is currently conducting its Decennial Census to receive a population count of everyone in the United States. This count includes newborn babies, children, citizens, noncitizens, and those temporarily staying at a household. The census can be completed at www.2020census.gov by Sept. 30, 2020. 

Data from the census provides the basis for annually distributing billions of dollars in federal funds to communities across the country to support vital programs that impact education, housing, transportation, health care and more.

What does this mean for Ponca City Public Schools? An accurate census count is the critical first step to helping educators address the needs of every child who walks through our doors. The census count only happens once every 10 years, and when young children are not counted accurately, the consequences can last most of their childhood.

According to the National Education Association, census data determines the distribution of more than $800 billion, which impacts the amount of federal funds communities receive for special education, classroom technology, teacher training, after-school programs and school lunch assistance.

Research shows young children are at high risk of not being counted. The Annie E. Casey Foundation notes that the 2010 Census “missed 10 percent of children under the age of five”, which is more than 2 million children.

“An inaccurate count of our children could mean lower federal funds for Oklahoma students. The students of Ponca City and Oklahoma deserve the best opportunities available and deserve to be counted,” Ponca City School Superintendent, Shelley Arrott stated. “This census is our only opportunity for the next 10 years and it has to be as accurate as possible.   All federal funds are allocated from the U.S. Department of Education to states based on their census count. An inaccurate count could mean lower federal funds for Oklahoma students. This is our only opportunity for the next 10 years to get the census right.”

The U.S. Census Bureau has made it easier than ever.   Patrons can respond in 13 different languages, and it can be completed in less than 15 minutes by mail, by phone or online.