Fewer local students are dropping out of school
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

The bulletin board in the office of Christine Stripling, JCHS graduation coach, notes her philosophy - Failure is not an option. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)

The 2005-2006 K-12 Public Schools Annual Report Card was recently released by the Georgia Department of Education, and the information on the Jenkins County school system is welcomed news for educators. The report indicates that not only are fewer Jenkins County students dropping out of high school but also, more are completing requirements to obtain a diploma.

The drop out rate for Jenkins County is listed at 3.6 for the 2005-2006 school term, a decline of 4.1 points over the previous year's rate of 7.7. The county's graduation rate is listed at 63.6 for the school term, an increase of 9.1 points over the previous year's 54.5 rate.

Graduation Coach Christine Stripling attributes the progress being made in these areas to the numerous programs instituted by the local school system as well as the efforts of school staff, community partners, parents, students and the community as a whole in addressing the issues.

"It is a combination of everyone working together. It takes the whole community," Stripling said.

She also noted that an important factor in the decrease in the school system's drop out rate is the implementation of the "O Period" program at Jenkins County High School.

"This is a credit recovery program that allows students to work online independently to recover credits they have lost," Stripling explained.

Currently, 40 JCHS students are participating in the program.

After school programs, tutoring, Lunch and Learn, Snack Pack, Lending Library and remediation assistance for social studies and science are other programs to which students have access that can aid them in their quest for a high school diploma. Also, tutoring from school staff is available in a different subject area each day of the week as follows: Monday, English; Tuesday, science; Wednesday, math; and Thursday, social studies.

"Every department has a tutoring schedule," Stripling said, noting that this was in addition to the after school programs.

She also credited Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center with playing a vital role in keeping students in school.

"They collaborate with us to provide other services that might be needed. Suppose a teen mother needs child care and transportation in order to remain in school, they can help with that," Stripling explained.

Addressing the issue of truancy has also made a difference.

"When the students find out that they can't get a driver's license if they don't attend school or that they could lose their licenses for not attending, it makes a difference," she said.

Stripling also credits school system staff with encouraging students to remain in school through building relationships.

"They really care about the students, and it makes a difference," she said. This chart compares the high school drop out rate and graduation rate of Jenkins County students to those of surrounding counties.