Missoula Schools Excellence

Big Sky High School’s dropout rate of 1.9 percent and Sentinel High School, with a dropout rate of 2.0 percent, have the lowest rates in the state for the 2011-2012 academic school year.

All of Line’s kindergartners began the school year with the high-tech learning tools thanks to an anonymous former Paxson parent who donated $85,000 to supply the school with iPads.

While fairly common in urban areas across the country, Lowell’s health clinic will be a pilot program in Montana, made possible by a $500,000 federal grant.

"We’re thrilled to see Missoula continue to set the standard for Americans’ dedication to promoting world peace and friendship," said Janet Allen, regional manager of the Peace Corps West Coast Region.

"A healthy child is the best learner, and if we can serve our kids in school and help keep them healthy and happy, it makes for child who is a better student and one who is better prepared for life."

Specifically, the goals of the workshops are to increase resiliency in 5th graders and build a positive school culture; create increased engagement in school; empower youth to build safer and more inclusive learning environments; and support middle school transition, increased graduation rates, and academic success.

"We need the trades," Ault said, "and the United States is weak on trades. We are working with kids who will become our tradesmen."

Anyone who cares about the success of Missoula’s public school students is invited to attend an hourlong meeting on Thursday to discuss Graduation Matters Missoula.

The initiative is seeking volunteers to get involved in its committees and support programs that help students succeed in school.

Graduation Matters Missoula is a collaborative effort of Missoula’s families, schools and community to help every student reach high school graduation.