Middle School Success Initiative “Working as a volunteer
at Enka Middle School has been a truly rewarding experience. I love to see students getting excited about learning something new or difficult. It is so much fun to see the light bulb go on, and to know that as a volunteer you are part of the learning process that helped nudge, and motivate them to get there.
”
-John Kelley, Entrepreneur, Volunteer tutor at Enka Middle School
Middle school can be a tough time with significant social, emotional, and physical changes taking place all at once. UNITED WAY’S MIDDLE SCHOOL SUCCESS INITIATIVE aligns partners from a large cross-section of our community to tackle these complex issues together. If any middle school student has 1 or more of the following ABC indicators during their middle grades years - and there is no intervention - their likelihood of high school graduation drops to 25%. • Attendance- missing 18 days or 10% of school • Behavior- two or more mild to serious referrals • Course Performance- failing a core course such as English or Math
“Could someone help me with these? I’m late for math class.”
“WHO GOT YOU THROUGH” VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: SPECIAL EVENTS such as helping with “Family Night/Homework Diner” or teaching a new skill. BREAKFAST/LUNCH BUDDIES share a meal at school with a student in need of support. MENTORING by a caring adult can do wonders for both the student and the mentor. BEFORE SCHOOL TUTORS are matched with students that need assistance.
In Asheville and Buncombe County, children who live in poverty graduate from high school at a rate of 78% while their classmates graduate at a rate of more than 91%. In 2015, more than 740 students in our public schools were homeless.
Those who live in poverty must navigate significant obstacles in order to make it to graduation. Every student that doesn’t graduate from high school faces a life filled with greater obstacles, impacting their long-term health and income and often determining whether or not they live in poverty the rest of their life. United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
We need your help! Get involved as a caring adult today. Visit handsonasheville.org/middleschool to learn more.