Graduation matters in Arlee
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ARLEE – The Arlee School District is officially on the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s list of schools participating in the Graduation Matters Montana program.
“Kindergarten through 12th-grade students signed a pledge promising to graduate,” said Deanne Smith, program organizer. “With the program, the school receives funding to develop a plan to serve students at risk for dropping out.”
The Arlee School District is about one point over the state average of 3.6 percent — not the highest — for high school dropout rates, according to the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s data.
“We want to decrease drop outs and make sure students know how important it is to graduate,” she said. “Graduation isn’t only a student commitment, but it’s a community one as well. If students see that graduation matters to others then it will matter to them.”
Smith said students drop out for many reasons.
“Sometimes they get behind and it’s too hard to catch up,” she said. “Some have other responsibilities and school doesn’t fit into their lives. We want to help change that.”
Chase Wiley, 16, is a junior at Arlee High School this year. He said his focus is on graduating.
“I want to graduate so I can get better jobs,” he said. “I also want to go to college.”
Music is a subject Chase is currently studying in school. He played the saxophone during the Graduation Matters launch event. Music teacher Rebecca Olson said creative expression helps kids stay in school.
“Kids take ownership of their education when they are allowed to be creative,” she said. “Kids taking ownership of their education are more likely to stay in school.”
Third grader Drew Knoll, 8, plans to become a teacher someday. He thinks a diploma is very important.
“Without it, it’s hard to grow up and get a job,” he said.
High School Principal Jim Taylor said encouraging students to finish school doesn’t stop when the event is over.
“We plan to keep going with this as the year goes on,” he said.
