Many adolescents struggle with thoughts and pressures about what lies
ahead of them after high school. Often students experience high levels
of anxiety over what roles they might play in this ever changing,
highly
competitive work force. For some it might mean college, vocational
school, or an apprenticeship, while others transition immediately into
the workforce. However, for an increasing number of students dropping
out has become an option. According to the Children's Defense Fund, one
U.S. high school student drops out every 9 seconds. Attleboro High
School's Network program is about to embark on a new project, which
will stress the importance of a high school diploma. Its attainment is
considered vital for achievement of meaningful life goals.
In 1998, Attleboro school department started an alternative high school
program, the Network, in an effort to address the needs of students who
had experienced significant school failure and considered at-risk of
dropping out of school. Two years ago, Martin Tighe, the adjustment
counselor at the program wanted to show his student population they
could succeed at almost anything, if they set goals, worked hard, and
had a positive attitude. His goal was to compete in the first ever
North
Pole Marathon. The Network Parent Teachers' Organization embraced this
project, called the North Pole project. With their sponsorship and
strong support from the community and businesses in the area, Martin
was
sent off to the North Pole carrying a flag with the school department's
motto, "Together, we learn, grow, and succeed". Martin won the race,
and then immediately made a call to Attleboro from the geographic North
Pole to share with the community not only his, but their,
accomplishment. Martin demonstrated that by being focused and working
hard, individuals could achieve their goals, no matter to what end of
the world they took you! The project provided an invaluable learning
experience that engaged students in authentic, reality based education.
On Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th, Martin Tighe will
again, with strong parent and community support, demonstrate how one
can
strive to achieve meaningful goals. He will attempt to break the
Guinness Book of World Records for the most miles run on a treadmill in
24 hours. The record stands at 154 miles. This new initiative "Go the
Distance" is designed to promote community awareness of the importance
of completing high school. The Parent Teacher Organization and Network
Advisory board, co-sponsors for this project, have two major goals. The
first, to provide for students, parents and the Attleboro community,
information that supports life-long learning and second, to
raise funds for use in developing drop-out prevention strategies.
Ultimately, this project hopes that this support will lead to
increasing
graduation rates among Attleboro students. Throughout the 24 hours,
individuals or groups who have partnered with the Network program to
support student learning, have expressed interest in running alongside
Martin to actively demonstrate this invaluable support. In addition,
information booths will be set up by various organizations all
committed to supporting education for high school students, especially
those most at risk for leaving school prior to graduation.
The staff at the Network program is very much aware that some students
have little or no desire to graduate from high school. Many feel as
though they are just wasting time, getting nowhere fast, or just
spinning their wheels. Sounds a little like being on a treadmill. To
"go
the distance", that is, staying in school and attaining a high school
diploma, positions these students to reap more economic benefits than
those students who choose not to complete their education. It is the
hope of those associated with this project, that more adolescents will
be encouraged to "go the distance" when they understand the negative
consequences associated with dropping out. Jenna, a recent graduate of
the Network, recognized and encouraged her classmates to appreciate the
power that education held for them. Students through their engagement
in this learning project will learn, first hand, how increased
knowledge and perseverance can empower them to achieve meaningful life
goals.
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