I really have enjoyed reading everyone's ideas and thoughts on this topic. I think we definitely all agree that connection is what improves the student's chances the best. As they say in the therapy field, connection heals. I think it also applies to retention of students. In this day and age we are so disconnected that anything we can do to bring us together with the students and as a community as a whole, will contribute positively to student outcomes and the growth of our schools.

Retention is the single most important aspect of what we do as educators. The students cannot succeed if they are not there. The world will miss out on their ability to contribute to the world as a whole at least in this aspect.