Educators join statewide effort to help students stay in school until graduation

As part of a broad, concerted effort to lower high school dropout rates in the community and state, the Nevada R-5 School District is poised to start participating in the statewide initiative known as "Graduation Matters in Missouri" beginning in January, 2010.

This effort began in April when more than 600 educators and community leaders met at 21 locations throughout the state in a first-of-its-kind video conference. The goal of the summit meeting was, "to share ideas that are working in different parts of the state and gather information about the resources schools and other agencies need to address the dropout challenge effectively," according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Web site.

One of the main tenets of the Graduation Matters effort is that it is important for students to know that their graduation is important to the community. R-5 superintendent, Dr. David Stephens said that even though the graduation rate in Nevada is "pretty good," it's vital that "our children know what it means to be a part of Nevada."

As part of the community, it is important that the community is involved. One purpose of the push, as Dr. Stephens called it is to promote the importance of graduation in the community. "Kids need to hear it from their parents; they need to hear it from community leaders, they need to hear from businesses that, in Nevada, we believe graduation is important."

The impact of the dropout rate on the community and the and the nation is significant. Some of the statistics and the scope of their effects on society are surprising. For instance, dropouts are more than eight times more likely to find themselves in jail or prison. A high school dropout contributes about $60,000 less in taxes over a lifetime. Dropouts are more likely to be on public assistance, live in poverty and be in poor health. This citing of statistics can go on and on, but the focus here is on completion of high school.

To achieve that end, educators across the state and here in Nevada are enlisting the help of their communities. The Nevada/Vernon County Area Chamber of Commerce has joined with the school district to "be visible and vocal partners and promoters," said Cat McGrath Farmer, chamber of commerce executive director. "Our members will be available to help spread the word in the community."

Several different methods of getting the message to the community are being discussed. One thing that is going to be done for sure is the inclusion of note sized slips of paper inserted into banking envelopes like those received when a check is cashed. Dr. Stephens said he would also like to see the business community get involved by promoting graduation on their marquis or by displaying banners or posting fliers or information on billboards.

This initiative is in its beginning stages, and in the near future, there will be a number of ways and opportunities for individuals and local businesses to help keep kids in school. The entire community is invited to participate in this effort in any way possible. For more information or to donate money, sign space or supplies or time to the Graduation Matters endeavor, contact: Dr. David Stephens at (417) 667-2000 or at dstephens@nevada.k12.mo.us.