August 2000

Helping Students Succeed is Community Homework

Brittany’s report card, not unlike her homework, is blotched with teachers’ ink. But this 12-year-old doesn’t care, and even confessed that she enjoys seeing how marked up they are each time.

In fact, her most recent report card was masked with a collage of comments from her teachers. Comments such as, "You’ve come a long way, baby." And encouragement like, "Keep up the good work, I have faith in you."

Perhaps not the comments you would expect for a student who less than a school year ago was struggling with attendance in Mrs. Allen’s fifth-grade class, and her grades were very reflective of that.

"Brittany was having trouble making a connection at school and it would show in her attitude," says David Larson, site coordinator, Communities In Schools at Lincoln Elementary. "She would hear comments eluding to her lack of attendance and late homework assignments."

Then Brittany became more involved with Communities In Schools (CIS), a United Way-funded agency. "You could see steady improvement throughout the year," says Larson. "Not only did her attendance and grades improve dramatically, but her self-esteem increased, as well."

Through CIS, Brittany attends an after-school outreach program at YMCA (another United Way-funded agency), receives tutoring once a week during her lunch break, participates in the Giraffe Club, which focuses on examples of true heroes who "stick their necks out" to help the community, and more.

"I like my mentor the best," says Brittany, referring to Communities In Schools’ Jumpstart Mentor program that uses Big Brothers Big Sisters, a United Way-funded agency. "It’s just cool to have someone that will take the time to talk with you and encourage you."

Brittany will purposely be paired with her same mentor this next year as she moves to a different location for sixth-grade, keeping a measure of consistency through this often-overwhelming transition.

"Mentors focus on the positive, showing the kids that they are worth the extra effort it takes to succeed," says Larson. "In most cases, simply having that one-on-one attention will help their grades or attendance improve, even without a tutor."

Larson says that CIS focuses on helping kids help themselves. They bring outside resources to schools in hopes of taking away whatever obstacles are in the students’ paths.

"We try to get kids to enjoy their experience at school by making positive connections," says Larson. "Our goal is to demonstrate that the right attitude and hard work really make a difference."

These days, Brittany doesn’t dread receiving her report card.

"Now, I know that I can make good grades, stay in school and go to college," she says confidently.

Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is helping our community.