School Social Worker to Receive Award for Dropout Prevention Work

From the Portland Public Schools Blog (May 19, 2009)

"Sophie Payson, a social worker for the Portland Public Schools, will receive a recognition award from Maine Department of Education Commissioner Susan Gendron for her work to meet the needs of at-risk youth. Gendron will present the award at a Blaine House ceremony on May 21.

"Payson serves on the state’s Advisory Committee on Truancy, Dropout and Alternative Education. During her three years on the committee, she has helped to develop the Fresh Start Program and recommendations for policy changes to assist the at-risk population.

"Payson works at Portland High School and has been employed by the school department for five years."

FYI: Sophie served as a champion for our Reconnecting Youth programs at PHS for 3 years and she totally deserves this recognition! Yay, Sophie!!

State Farm Announces New Site to Increase Awareness of Dropout Crisis

"State Farm reaffirmed its commitment to America's Promise Alliance and the dropout crisis by developing a new web site, which features information the dropout crisis, the Alliance and the Five Promises. The Get Involved Now section allows users to provide his or her zip code to find volunteer opportunities in their local areas.

State Farm is partnering with the America's Promise Alliance (APA), the largest bi-partisan alliance dedicated to the support and development of children, to ensure the personal and educational success of America's youth through the delivery of Five Promises: 1) Caring Adults, 2) Safe Places, 3) A Healthy Start, 4) An Effective Education, 5) An Opportunity to Help Others."

The Crisis: National dropout stats