The Kent Performance Learning Center , a partnership between Communities In Schools and the Kent School District graduated 26 students last week. Twenty-six young people who, prior to enrolling at the center, would likely have dropped out of school.
The center is based on a small schools model where students who are struggling in the traditional class room get more individualized help. “Each student has a teacher they can talk to – anytime – instead of being in a class with 30 people,” says Josh Albertson a senior at the center.
Added to individualized academic help is the non-academic service connection that distinguishes the Communities In Schools approach. Says Ginger Colamussi, the center’s services coordinator, “Many of our students are here because they have a lot going on in their lives. By providing them with social services and connecting them with a caring adult mentor, we can really set our students up for success.”
And success it is for students like Adelaida Ochoa who not only has become the first in her family to graduate high school but will also attend college in the fall. And for Donald Stevenson, who on the verge of dropping out two years ago, became a full-time Running Start student at Green River Community College.
Perhaps no one says it best other than graduate David Winn: “Everyone is responsible for their own success. You have to do the work. This program provided the opportunity and the staff and the community provided additional resources. But it was up to me to have the right attitude. Now I finally believe that I’ve got what it takes to succeed!”
Good luck to all you wonderful graduates! You’ve got great years ahead of you and we look forward to your continued success.
To learn more about the Kent Performance Learning Center check out this video.
