Great Things Happen When We Work Together

Last year I coordinated a program for our at risk junior and senior student population. Our focus was mainly on those seniors who needed courses to satisfy their graduation requirement. We had several cases including students who had passed all required examinations but needed elective credits, those who failed their given courses as well as those who were doing courses and needed to pass the corresponding state exam.

Needless to say we truly had a challenge on our hands! As the program was being implemented we realized that there were some unanticipated problems that could jeopardize the program if not addressed. One such was incomplete work due to a lack of online student activity since the courses were offered online. The team discovered that most of the students were having difficulty comprehending the  given material in their respective courses. In response, we changed the structure of the program, created personalized schedules based on students' lives outside of school, gave up prep time, lunch some days, weekends with family, and even our spring break!

We made a lot of sacrifices, we cried, fought ........ we had no choice but to work hard to achieve our goals. In some cases we used encouragement, threats, and bribes, to get especially the reluctant students kicking and screaming to complete their course requirement. IT WAS TOUGH!!!

A few weeks before graduation one of our student's dwelling was destroyed by fire. A few days later the student was involved in an accident and had to be hospitalized. This student had formed a bond with one of the teachers in the program who then informed the rest of the team. Through encouragement from both teacher and team this student was able to complete all the courses needed to graduate.

As the student whose arm was in a sling walked across the stage to collect the diploma I could not restrain myself. The tears started flowing. The hugs and being hoisted in the air by some of the most reluctant students you could ever find ........ I could not help but think.....GREAT THINGS HAPPEN WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER.....even if we are kicking and screaming in the beginning.

GREAT THINGS HAPPEN when a team works together. More is achieved when students and teachers forge a bond based on TRUST. Further, students will rise above the challenge when they have the support of adults who truly care. 

I will try to keep these in mind as we move forward with this year's program.

What's your challenge and how did you resolve?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno