Focus on the benefits
January 30, 2023
The halls of MCHS’s Upper Campus have been clearer since administration began a more concentrated effort to reduce cuts and wayward students, especially while “flexing” during blended classes.
MCHS is working to improve student attendance and support students with rewards and attendance incentives. Instead of detentions, more natural consequences are trying to be implemented. More people have been added to staff to handle attendance.
“Last year,” Agnello explained, “there were so many [cuts] and so few of us. that we weren’t able to catch somebody until they got like 12 and by then we’ve lost them.”
Counselors, social workers, student deans, attendance interventionists, the principal and others at MCHS are working to be more proactive and discover more humanistically what is going on with each individual student to promote better attendance.
“School’s not for everyone,” Agnello admitted. “It’s not, so there’s a lot of programs out there. We try to find ways to get them in the direction where they feel more motivated. Kids want to get involved with something when they feel connected to it. When kids don’t feel connected to the teachers and to each other, why would they want to be here? When kids are involved in stuff, they do better. They come to school, and they do better here.”
Students are promoted to get involved in the various clubs, sports, and resources at MCHS to support and improve their enjoyment of school.
“If you’re gonna be here, make the best out of it. I encourage kids to get involved with the programs at school. The more fun you have in school, the more likely you’re going to be to succeed,” said Johnson. “You can fight the system or join the system, but ultimately, you’re going to have a good time and get smarter for it. It should be a great experience.”