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New Security Systems For ECISD
Midland "Recovery Walk" - Not Your Average Walk In The Park , The Search for Dropouts 9/15/12
Felicia Bolton
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
September 15, 2012
MIDLAND, TX - It's not your average walk in the park. MISD officials and school volunteers took to the streets, searching for students who are not showing up to class.
Midland ISD officials are pairing up with the statewide education campaign "Expectation Graduation" by going into local neighborhoods, looking for dropouts.
Each knock on the door represents hope of getting a student back in school.
“I think when students get disconnected. They don't think that anyone cares. When we take the opportunity to go out and knock on their doors…and talk to them about what's going on in their lives and how we can help… I think that means a lot,” said Lee High School Principal Stephanie Howard.
The Recovery Walk is where the rubber meets the road. MISD officials are on the search for students who've dropped out. They say although they've seen a boom in enrollment, pushing many schools to the max; a child's education is more valuable.
“Just like our superintendent says yes we may be busting at the seems, but it's more important for students to be educated. And we'll figure out a way to make it happen, to make sure we can have the room for our students to be educated," stated Deborah Acosta, MISD Dropout Prevention/Recovery & At Risk Coordinator.
Over the past 5 years the MISD drop out rates continue to decrease. Officials say it’s the personal touch, through events like this one, which keeps students in schools.
"We keep track of a completion rate at the high school. And right now our class of 2012, about 90% of them did complete or have re-enrolled, " said Stephanie Howard.
The bright yellow tags that the volunteers leave behind are more than reminders to return to class, but tokens to show that someone cares.
If you are a Midland student who's dropped out, looking to return to classes or you know of one that needs help; contact MISD at (432)-689-1985.