Collaboration moves Missoula County Public Schools ahead. “Graduation Matters Missoula”

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our community, teachers, staff and trustees for their ongoing support and dedication in our school district’s march towards increased student achievement and our “Graduation Matters Missoula” http://graduationmattersmissoula.com/ initiative. Graduation Matters Missoula is a key school community plan that establishes high expectations and standards for all, and defines specific roles and responsibilities for everyone in our community to ensure that high school graduation and beyond is a reality for all students, regardless of their circumstances and abilities.

Guest column by ALEX APOSTLE

GMM is off to a great start, thanks to all of you. Our urban high schools have reduced the number of students dropping out by a remarkable 40 percent from April 2009. These are amazing results considering the GMM program was officially launched on Jan. 19, 2010. The main body of GMM which has more than 30 committed community members, has developed subcommittees that are engaging and empowering parents, staff, businesses and students throughout our community to ensure the continuance and positive impact of this vital program. GMM is not a one-year or two-year effort. It is a program that will become embedded in our culture with the expectation that all students will graduate from high school and move toward a productive future.

The reason Missoula County Public Schools http://www.mcps.k12.mt.us/portal/default.aspx is progressing is that we are all working together, monitoring students more closely than ever before. We have established committees in each of our K-12 schools that meet on a weekly basis to review students who may be in need of extra assistance, encouragement and direction. These efforts will intensify as our community continues to mobilize the agenda. Integral to our continued success are after-school programs such as Flagship, which support students beyond academics, and our Missoula Writing Collaborative and Writing Coaches of Missoula that directly impact academic success.

Increasing the high school graduation rate and giving students the hope, courage and confidence to educate themselves beyond high school must be at the core of any great community, especially in a university and spirited community such as Missoula.

Mayor John Engen’s “Best Place” http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/index.aspx?NID=692 initiative is focused on increasing economic productivity and improving our quality of life here in Missoula. Public education PreK-20 must be at the forefront of the “Best Place” initiative to cultivate its success. Fortunately, Engen acknowledges, values and appreciates our children’s education and is vigilant in making sure public education is truly an anchor in Missoula’s efforts to be the very “Best Place.”

In collaboration with the mayor’s effort, many businesses, foundations, nonprofits and service organizations continue to support and promote our community and PreK-20 public education. Their involvement is providing the spirit and support necessary to continue our march towards a better future. You are appreciated.

Another key partner in our community and schools is the University of Montana and President George Dennison. Dennison has created an environment which has enabled the university, MCPS and the community to collaborate in terms of meeting the challenges that lie ahead. From a joint educational summit which has stimulated 21st century thinking and genuine support for Graduation Matters Missoula, to the implementation of dual credit programs and teacher academies, Dennison has been a true champion in promoting PreK-20 educational improvements, and in doing so, has established an environment of cooperation and an energy that fosters hope and determination beyond the status quo.

All the efforts mentioned along with many others are providing the energy and courage that will continue to provide the foundation for conquering any and all challenges that may lie ahead. We need to continue believing in our community and the great people of Missoula. Stay tuned for better days and an even greater future for all of us. After all, this is Missoula, Montana.

http://www.missoulian.com/news/opinion/columnists/article_f40aad2c-4c86-11df-bfb3-001cc4c03286.html