If
you were to believe the bulk of advertising and messaging about the
back-to-school
season,
you’d be all about new clothes and backpacks stuffed with goodies. In reality, new
clothes and trendy snacks are far from reach for many of our community’s
students. Stable
housing remains a challenge, and 53% are living in poverty that qualifies them
for free
or reduced meals. Academically, these factors are also closely linked to a
student’s likelihood
of missing enough school to put them at risk of graduating on time.
The
State of Oregon’s focus on on-time graduation has intensified in recent years because
high school graduation is one of the best ways to launch a child out of poverty and
into a life of financial stability. In the past, the emphasis on graduation has
been made
at the high school level, and typically in the form of career counseling or
one-to-one intervention. Now educators are paying close attention to the
relationship between success
early in school and graduation: Students who meet benchmarks early on are far more
likely to succeed later. One does lead to another, but it’s not a matter of intelligence
– it’s because they are in school learning every day.
Attendance helps students
with math, reading and even social skills.So,
what are the most common reasons children miss school? Food, clothing, and chronic
dental or medical issues are obstacles for many. “By working on programs and systems
to connect children with these basics, we are able to address some of the root causes
of absenteeism,” explains Springfield School District Superintendent Todd Hamilton.
“By addressing absenteeism, we are addressing graduation rates. By improving
graduation rates, we’re addressing the trajectory of each child’s adult life.”
Locally
school districts are working to help families access the services that are
available to
help with basic necessities – and to help inspire people to make use of the
support. “We
find that families may not know there are resources available to help, so we’re working
to make it known that there is help, and to make it easier to find that help,”
says Hamilton.
Support
is generally organized geographically, so the best place to learn more is often via
the district website:
• Bethel: www.bethel.k12.or.us
• Creswell: www.creswell.k12.or.us
• Eugene: www.4j.lane.edu
• Junction City:
www.junctioncity.k12.or.us
• South Lane: www.slane.k12.or.us
• Springfield: www.springfield.k12.or.us
The
Oregon Department of Education also provides many resources for families at every-day-matters.org.
“Every
school district is focused on getting kids to school so they can learn,” says
Colt Gill,
Director of the Oregon Department of Education. “School districts are experts
at connecting
families to resources. I encourage anyone to ask for help or check out the online
resources. Starting September off with the basics is a promising way for a
child to launch into a
successful school year.”
