“A kindergartener counted in the 2020 Census this spring will be starting high school when the next census comes around in 2030: That’s 10 years of school supplies, teachers, school lunches, and so much more. This is your opportunity to help ensure they have a bright future.” U.S. Census Bureau
The upcoming 2020 U.S. Census will “Shape Your Future” and the future of the children in our community. Gwinnett County Public Schools is an official partner with the U.S. Census Bureau as the agency gears up for the 2020 Census.
So, what is the Census? The census is a count of all people living in the United States. The U.S. Constitution requires a national population count once every 10 years to inform decisions based on where people live.
And, why is it important? Census results help determine federal funding and how it is distributed in our state and community. An accurate census with a complete count is important to the school system and to our community’s quality of life.
The count will have an impact on the federal funds that communities receive for the next 10 years for services that benefit children, such as education-related programs like Head Start, special education, and school breakfast and lunch assistance, as well as children’s health insurance and other services for families in need.
Planners use the data to determine the need for new schools, public transportation, and new roads. Census data determines representation in Congress, and drives redistricting for Congressional districts as well as representative voting districts at the state, county, and city levels.
Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census will be delivered to homes between March 12 and March 20. Once you receive that invitation, you can respond by mail. (Phone and internet response is available April 1.) In-person follow-up by census workers will start in May for households that do not respond.
Questionnaire responses will give a snapshot of every American household on Census Day— April 1— reflecting all U.S. residents… people of all ages, all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens. With just a few simple questions, the 2020 Census questionnaire is a quick, easy, safe, secure, and confidential way to help provide resources for children and their communities for the next 10 years. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s census questionnaire responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement officials.
Here’s the Census timeline:
March 12 - 20: Households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census— online, by phone, or by mail.
April 1: Census Day is observed nationwide. By this date, every home will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census.
With your help, we can ensure that everyone counts in Census 2020!
Questions? Check out these FAQs from Everyone Counts Georgia.
Census 2020: Students learn about U.S. Census as community prepares for count APPROVED
A U.S. Census Bureau staff member recently dropped by Suwanee ES to view ”Statistics in School” in action. Hector Montalvo, a partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, visited Jennifer Ramsey’s 4th grade classroom to observe her teaching students about the Census. Mrs. Ramsey used informative graphics and interactive activities to explain the origin of the Census, how the upcoming count will work, and why it is important. Mr. Montalvo was impressed by what he saw. “Mrs. Ramsey did an amazing job engaging the students and helping them understand the (Census) count,” he said. “She has a gift for teaching.”
Using Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) and Census Bureau lesson plans and curriculum, as well as informational documents and posters, GCPS teachers and staff, across the district and at every level, have engaged students and parents, spreading the word about the Census.
Learn more about Statistics in Schools, an educational program of the U.S. Census Bureau.