Melanie Martin

We have utilized food events during the students first week of school, however, we don't do it each month. I think we will start doing this. I like the idea of a Support Board. We currently have a wall called the "Wall of Why", students post a picture on the wall of their Why.

We currently utilize two different orientations; 1st is school orientation (introducing many staff members and covering pertinent information) 2nd is Academic Orientation, where student receive instruction regarding attendance, attire, assignments in their program, who is here to academically support them, and other areas of information as well. Then they are introduce to their instructor and the instructor sets up a one on one meeting the next day so each can get to know one another.

My take away is to incorporate stations during orientation, break down the information or sharables to smaller interactions

It is really important to understand each students individuals needs to help each student to be successful. Furthermore it is equally important that all staff members are on the same page to assist our students on what their needs are.

It is important that schools has accessible resources for our students not only in person, but other viable outlets, like the online tool mentioned "GradMax". We have so many young students that sometimes don't see what they need to be successful. 

I found the outlined methods—Survey, Vertical Probe, and especially the 8 Stages of the Intervention Process—really valuable. These tools encourage me to pause and reflect before meeting with a student. While I feel I already use some of these strategies to an extent, hearing them clearly defined helped put everything back into perspective. Ultimately, it's about equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed.

It is important all around that our school supports our students not only with their studies but any challenges they face that is or could affect their education. Going through training periodically is very helpful as it keeps challenges students face in the forefront as we all can forget how to help our students in these areas. Understanding what Academic Erosion Stress and Academic Stagnation Stress is can be useful when working with our students.

Support for our students need to come from all departments. Although instructors may know the students the best, they may not always be the best staff member to support students who are having issues that are not curriculum related.  It is important to get the student to the right staff member(s). While we cannot control the necessary drops, we can improve upon the unnecessary drops by making sure students are compatible with the program, our learning environment, and expectations before enrolling them.