COMMITMENT: Student dropout numbers decrease from 40 to eight students this past school year.
By Matthew Saenz, Staff Writer
In a society built on education, graduating from high school has become more important in determining success as adults. As a result, over the past year, Poly has displayed its increased willingness to help every student graduate, whether it be through the implementation of new educational techniques and policies, the increased motivation of students or the passionate work of educators. Poly’s efforts have paid dividends—only eight students this past year dropped out.
Nationwide, dropout rates are at an average of 20 percent—a rate that is even higher in some areas, according to a Huffington Post article written by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. According to www.childtrends.org, dropping out creates people who “are unlikely to have the minimum skills and credentials necessary to function in today’s increasingly complex society and technology-dependent workplace.” As much as one in five students in the U.S. will not finish high school, which is the lowest rate in U.S. history, according to Duncan. Duncan cites “teachers, principals, superintendents and other educators who are determined to see their students succeed,” as the reasons behind these lowering rates. Duncan also gives examples of high schools around the nation that use a mixture of state funding and reform dollars to improve the quality of education, thereby making students more likely to graduate.
At Poly, the start of the new school year brought the first major idea presented schoolwide: the P.R.I.D.E acronym. P.R.I.D.E, or Passion, Respect, Integrity, Determination, Extraordinary, is a set of values that constitute a successful student. This acronym was, and still is, a major part of school life. “The continued reiteration of the P.R.I.D.E acronym, and what it stands for, indicates the school’s commitment to learning,” Alec Ethell (10) said. Ethell also believes that P.R.I.D.E encourages students to look within themselves, which offers the self-encouragement and the drive to graduate that others cannot provide.
Many new educational opportunities are also available to students. Beginning this year, new courses like the ROP Sports Fitness class offers specialized courses for people who are passionate about sports medicine, thus building a gateway towards graduating with knowledge they value. Pre-existing classes with work opportunities in the student-run restaurant, Grizzly Grill, also offer students different outlets to explore that are not accessible outside school. Additionally, websites like www.polyhighschoolguidance.weebly.com display diagrams with courses needed to graduate and recommended class lists for students who want to complete a certain level of rigor in high school. The faculty wants students to graduate, and they are willing to provide them with different options, helping them to personalize and take control of their education.
Students of all grades have felt this increased emphasis on graduation. Cole Benner (10) said, “I feel, as a whole, Dr. Roe and the entire school has made a concerted effort to make education a priority in our lives.” When asked what made the largest impression on him, he cited his teachers enthusiasm for educating. “I feel that my teachers care deeply about the success of students, which is reflected in their lessons,” Benner explained. Caroline Iglesias (10) believes that information about life after graduation was much more accessible through the various announcements and pamphlets around school. Ashley Taylor (10) believes that, ultimately, the students were the reason for the decrease in the dropout numbers.
For Poly students, parents and faculty, the decrease in the dropout numbers are extremely encouraging. They reflect a growing change in culture at Poly—one with an emphasis on education, learning and graduation.