While attending West High 9th Grade Orientation, I learned about the PACE Program. It is a two year scholarship for tuition at SLCC.

PACE—Partnerships for Accessing College Education—is a program created to increase college participation and graduation rates for underserved high school students. The project was created by a partnership between local high schools, businesses, and Salt Lake Community College (SLCC).

Eligibility requirements to become a PACE Scholar

• Students must be 9^th grade freshmen at West, East or Highland High School, a U.S. citizen, or eligible non-citizen.
• Students must have a 2.5 GPA.
• Students must write a one page essay describing themselves, their personal situation, reasons they want to be part of the PACE Program, how the program will help them, and their college and career aspirations.
• Specific eligibility requirements are listed on the application.
• Students must fill out an application and submit it by the deadline to the main office at West, East, and Highland High Schools or mail the application to:

SLCC PACE Program
School Relations, STC 256
4600 S. Redwood Road
Salt Lake City, Utah 84123

Link to PACE Web Page

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.

Michael & David Galvan

WEST HIGH SCHOOL SCC WITH DAVID GALVAN

Had an interesting meeting last night at West High SCC meeting.                                   They meet every second Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at West High

Link To West High SCC Page