07-08 Drop Out Prevention Committee End of Year Report

June 4, 2008

Timothy Richards

 

This year’s meeting dates were September 25^th, April 8^th, May 6^th. We were also scheduled to meet on December 11, however we did not meet due to illness and schedule conflicts.

 

Committee Members: Tim Richards, Victoria Burns, Sheryl Robinson, Sue Martin, Bob Haskell, Joan Tremberth, Teri Hagelin, Sherry Levesque, Sarah Leavitt, Kristiina McBride, Theresa Allocca, Brianna Robinson.

 

One of our goals for this year was to look at attendance data, more specifically why students were not attending. We found that as a District we need to be more consistent with our practices. Structures have been put in place at each level that will create consistency.

 

Throughout the committee’s discussions, it was decided that we need to create “rewards” for the students who attend school on a consistent basis. More specifically perfect attendance.

 

During the last meeting of the Drop-Out Prevention Committee, it was recognized that the schools have done a more efficient job of tracking attendance/truancy through consistent procedures. Early contact and plans for truant students have made a difference especially at the MS and the HS. The Committee’s “next step” is to establish a culture in our schools that creates a sense of belonging for all students: Thanks for dropping in-not dropping out!

 

The Committee makes the following recommendations:

 

1.              Continue to aggressively track attendance and create plans for students who are not coming to school. Ensure that all offices are reporting unexcused absences in a uniform way.

 

2.              Create a student recognition goal for attendance. It will look developmentally different at each school. All School Improvement Teams should develop activities related to the student recognition goal.

 

3.              Review the Climate Survey given at the end of the year to evaluate if the values associated with drop out prevention are addressed: the Drop-Out Prevention Committee will review the data next year for planning.

a.     Students feel as if they belong.

b.     Students feel connected to school through an adult.

c.     Students feel the work at school is relevant.

 

4.              The Committee drafted the following questions for the Climate Survey. They will be given to the Administration for review and consideration.

K-5

a.     I expect a lot of myself in school.

b.     The time I spend at school helps me learn.

c.     Grown-ups at school care about me.

d.     Kids at school care about me.

e.     I feel special at school.

f.      I feel safe at school.

 

6-12

a.   I have high expectations for myself.

b. I feel that school is helping me with my future goals.

c.   I have a good relationship with at least one adult in the building.

d.   I have a good relationship with at least one student at school.

e. I feel like a valued member of my school community.

f. I feel safe at my school.