Students Face Obstacles

Find Out What They Need

By Denise Arrigo, Millville Senior High School, Millville, New Jersey

Several years ago, I taught a senior who missed several consecutive days of school. Julio was in good standing and only months away from walking the stage. So, I called him at home. He explained that he was tired of his hour-long bus commute. He wanted to work and buy a car. I talked to his mom. She said Julio was set to be the first in his family to finish high school.

Julio had used up his unexcused absences and was told in a letter that he was being dropped from the roll. I spoke with the assistant principal and arranged a conference. At the meeting, Julio agreed not to miss any more school days. He successfully completed his schoolwork, and his mom and I shared a big hug on the night of his graduation.