Annie’s Mailbox: Children need total approach
Dear Annie: Every 29 seconds, another student drops out of the U.S. public school system. Before this year ends, more than 1 million children will have dropped out – passing on their best chance for a productive adulthood.
Strengthening our schools is critical, but when one in three young people drop out every year, it’s no longer just about improving education. It’s about creating an integrated approach that involves the family, the school and the community. Most of all, it’s about making an investment in the whole child.
My husband, Colin, and I have championed this approach with America’s Promise Alliance because we know that more time, energy and resources must be invested – in and out of school – if we are to ensure the future of our children and the future of our national security.
This month we’re kicking off a Dropout Prevention Campaign with more than 100 summits being held nationwide over the next two years. We’ll bring together mayors and governors, business owners, child advocates, school administrators, teachers and students to come up with solutions to curb this crisis.
For more information, your readers should visit americaspromise.org. Sincerely – Mrs. Alma Powell, Board Chair, America’s Promise Alliance
Dear Alma Powell: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to address the importance of acquiring an education. Too many children drop out for reasons that can be addressed and changed. Helping them stay in school is beneficial not only to the child, but to the entire community. We hope our readers will contact America’s Promise Alliance and find out how they can get involved in this worthwhile endeavor.
Dear Annie: I had to take a detour tonight because there was a body of a young woman in the road. The driver of the car that hit her was sitting on the ground, dazed.
Why did this girl die? Because she was crossing a three-lane road at night in a poorly-lit area. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people cross dark streets when traffic is coming. Here’s a bulletin for anyone walking around at night: Drivers cannot see you – especially if you are wearing dark clothing. – Saddened in New Hampshire
Dear Saddened: How tragic. Please, readers, wear reflective gear when walking at night. It could save your life.