Ran into some neighbors at orientation

Had a great time this morning at West High’s 9th grade orientation. We all met in the auditorium and then broke up into five groups and we rotated into various workshops.

Power Point Slide

I was particularity impressed with the fact  that the staff and administration was aware of the dropout rate of their freshmen and were not afraid to to embrace that ‘truth’.

Unlike the mindset and masking I see happening in the Echo Chamber (school board meetings).

This power point slide shows the reality of the matter. Needless to say, there is a gap between the numbers the school is showing and the inflated graduation numbers the Superintendent presented at recent school board meetings.

Survey Results

Taking a proactive stance on the issue, the school conducted a survey last year among the students in an effort to determine why they were ‘sluffing’.

It was refreshing to see this issue discussed openly and with a level of determination to retain 9th graders so that they become 10th graders.

Five Basics

These pictures are blurry, I took them with my phone. In this PowerPoint slide they list pointer to High School Success.

Five Basics of High School Success:

1. Decide to Graduate
2. Be Here
3. Be Prepared
4. Use Your Planner
5. Turn Everything Inn

They also gave each student the following documents titled:

PDF LINK: Secrets to School Success Checklist

PDF LINK: West High Where Attendance Counts

I realize that the students most at risk will not be inclined to follow the advice given on this day.

The local administration and teachers started a program this year that will address the crisis with 9th grade dropouts.

It is called 9th Grade Connects (I need to confirm that name). The program is headed up by Assistant Principal Gene Bonella. I recalled it being discusses several times last year in the School Community Council meetings (SCC).

The local administration has identified 100 incoming 9th graders that are most at risk of dropping out of school. These students will be required to check in with a particular teacher each day.  Any missed classes or school days are immediately looked into. Their academic progress will be closely monitored.

I commend the local administration, staff and SCC Chair Steve Asay, for their sensitivity to this issue.

In speaking to the them about this program, I could sense their deep commitment and determination to see these students succeed.

There were many good things that happen at orientation. As a policymaker, at this time, I am concerned about the high dropout rate of the students from my community.

I am always looking for those programs and methods that will help us graduate all students. I am always asking  if we are spending my neighbor’s tax dollars where we will get the highest return for our investment. In this case, the highest return is measured by more students completing 9th grade.

SCHOOL-JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP:
KEEPING KIDS IN SCHOOL AND OUT OF COURT

The New York State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children was established in 1988 to improve the lives and life chances of children involved with New York courts. The Commission is chaired by former Chief Judge Judith Kaye, and its members include judges, lawyers, advocates, physicians, legislators, and state and local officials.

At its inception, the Commission predominantly targeted its efforts toward the youngest children before the courts – securing early intervention, establishing a statewide system of Children’s Centers in the Courts, improving court proceedings, promoting the healthy development of children in foster care and focusing on the needs of infants involved in child welfare proceedings. In 1994, the New York State Court of Appeals designated the Commission to implement the New York State Court Improvement Project (CIP), a federally funded project to assess and improve foster care, termination of parental rights and adoption proceedings.

In all of these endeavors, we have used a systemic methodology composed of convening stakeholders, conducting research, developing pilot projects, creating written materials and tools, presenting trainings and initiating efforts to change policy and practice. Additionally, all of our efforts are premised on the court’s authority under state and federal law and consistent with the legal standards for services to children.

Since 2006, the Commission expanded its focus to include older youth involved with the courts, focusing particularly on encouraging child and youth participation in their court proceedings and examining juvenile justice issues, including juvenile probation and issues affecting dully adjudicated youth. In addition, the Commission continues to seek to improve the educational outcomes of children in out of home care.

Link to Web Page

Salt Lake City Police:Community Outreach

Had a great conversation this afternoon with Salt Lake City Police at the Smith’s grocery store in Rose Park.

I believe that the Salt Lake City School District should establish a collaborative relationship with the Salt Lake City Police Department in an effort to improve school attendance by decreasing truancy and reconnecting students with their neighborhood schools. If we start the discussion now, we can be ready for the start of school this fall.

Currently, kids that cut school are allowed to hang out at the library, mall, streets and neighborhoods without being questioned or challenged.

Making it so easy and pleasant to be truant might be a contributing factor to the 52% dropout rate of Hispanic students in our district.

‘Chill with a Cop’ Thursday evening at Smith’s In Rose Park (Tribune)