Students with perfect attendance at school and in afterschool programs will receive a $25 gift card every two weeks
DAYTON, Ohio (February 25, 2022) - Dayton Public Schools and the Northwest Dayton Partnership recently announced new attendance incentives for students at Fairview Elementary School, Edwin Joel Brown Middle School, Wogaman Middle School and Thurgood Marshall STEM High School.
Beginning February 28, 2022, students at these schools will receive a $25 gift card every two weeks if they have perfect attendance and no office referrals.
In addition, a new after-school incentive program will begin at Wogaman Middle School and Thurgood Marshall STEM High School. Students who have perfect attendance at school and in the new after-school programs will receive an additional $25 gift card every two weeks.
“Attendance is directly connected to student achievement,” said Dr. Elizabeth Lolli, superintendent of Dayton Public Schools. “By incentivizing students to have perfect attendance, student achievement will also increase. We are excited to see how this new program will impact the attendance, academic performance, and culture at the four schools.”
During the afterschool activities, students will receive academic tutoring through Revival Center Ministries and participate in recreational programs provided by the YMCA. Certified teachers and other qualified individuals will offer academic assistance, while recreational activities will include team sports, culturally relevant artistic opportunities, and STEAM-related enrichment, including robotics.NOTE: Fairview Elementary and Edwin Joel Brown Middle School already have after-school programs in place and will not participate in the after-school incentive program.“The YMCA of Greater Dayton has a long history of partnering to strengthen the foundations of our community,” said Josh Haynes, executive director for the YMCA of Greater Dayton.. “Our involvement as a partner in the after-school enrichment program for Dayton Public Schools is another example of our commitment to youth development. The Y is excited to provide positive role models on site daily to mentor students through friendly competitions and sports activities. Incentivizing kids by having fun helps their commitment to the academic support the program includes, and ultimately to a brighter future for those participating.”
Sharon Conyers, who manages academic support services at Revival Center Ministries, said an emphasis on academics will also have significant benefits for participants.
“Tutoring is important in afterschool programs because it helps students build academic skills and assists them in areas that are challenging for them,” she said. “It also helps with improved work and study habits. Evidence suggests that academic tutoring can be an effective way to help students improve their academic skills, stay in school, and graduate from high school.”
The purpose of these incentives, in addition to providing safe, high-quality afterschool programming to underserved students, is to explore whether increased student engagement along with parent support will improve academic and behavioral outcomes. If this proves to be successful, the incentives may be expanded to other schools in the future.
“We are trying to create new energy around the importance of school attendance and positive student engagement in school programs. Our community needs young people who are active and engaged learners and this is yet another way that our efforts can complement so much of the other good work that is occurring in the community. We must use innovative ways to reach students and families. They need to know that we see, hear, and love them...this is just the beginning!" Nina Carter, Learn to Earn Dayton’s senior vice president for place-based strategies.
The after-school pilot programs, which were made possible by a contribution from the Dayton Foundation, will begin on February 28, 2022 and will end May 31, 2022. During this time, an application will be sent to the Ohio Department of Education to request funds for continuation of the program.
About Northwest Dayton Partnership
The Northwest Dayton Partnership (NWDP) is a new cross-sector collaboration between Learn to Earn Dayton, the City of Dayton, The Dayton Foundation, CityWide Development, Dayton Metro Library, Dayton Public Schools, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, PhoenixNext, Preschool Promise, Omega CDC, and other community stakeholders.
One goal of the NWDP is to create high-performing K-12 schools and close opportunity gaps. NWDP is taking a two-generation approach by working with children and the adults in their lives.
Learn to Earn Dayton’s mission is to foster all Montgomery County children’s success from birth until they earn a degree or high-quality credential.
Contact Information: Lauren Mixon | lmixon@learntoearndayton.org | 937.225.4598, ext. 3111