Rockwell Fund Aldine/Spring ISD Drop-Out Initiative

Major Elementary and Northgate Crossing Elementary both of Spring ISD hosted an ARK for Parents, facilitator training for a total of fifty-two teachers during the month of August. Teachers offered to spend an eight hour day of their personal time to become proficient at facilitating ARK Parent Groups on their campus. These teachers experienced a transformative day that was both encouraging and enlightening. As one educator said, "I thought we were just going to be practicing what we saw on a video taped lesson. I didn't realize that the process would actually change my own thinking. As a parent myself, I know the parents of my students will benefit from this program. It is unlike anything that I have ever experienced." Another teacher comments, "Our school has always offered academic support for parents but ARK takes it a step further by offering support for the emotional well being of the parents and family. In fact, ARK is beneficial for all involved, including the facilitators."

The ARKGroup has been invited to speak to over one thousand Aldine teachers, counselors and administrators as they collaborate and formulate plans to begin the Drop-Out Initiative funded by Rockwell. A select group of middle school teachers in both Aldine ISD and Spring ISD will participate in one of four scheduled training dates in September. After becoming certified, these leaders will bring back the process to their individual campuses and teams. Teachers are excited about connecting and collaborating with one another to develop a stronger more supportive relationship with students, parents and peers.

Aldine ISD Transportation Department sets the benchmark for other districts by providing ARK for Bus Drivers as part of their extra-miler project. The ARKGroup provided staff development for 700 bus drivers and other transportation personnel. Thirteen bus drivers are currently in the process of becoming ARK facilitators for their peers. The drivers are amazed at how the process has already impacted their ability to problem solve and peer mentor.

AVANCE Head Start Centers continue to offer ARK support for parents and teachers. Sixty new teachers will be trained during the month of September to provide both ARK for Parents and ARK for Teachers groups in their school communities. Clearly, great things are happening because of their commitment to educating the whole child and family.