Why do students come to school?

Freshmen Rington Johnson said, “I come to school to learn.”

There are many reason to come to school but not all of them are pressing matters in student’s minds.

Miriam Kalemen, a senior said, “Skipping school is really easy to do here… McKinley’s not doing enough to put a stop to it.”

To keep students in school McKinley must focus on motivating them. They need to know that their future depends on doing well in high school. What could McKinley do better?  

Junior Kathy Chu said, “I think that they should have more people come to this school to talk to students.”

McKinley’s college graduation rate in 2013-14 was 81%, meaning 19% of students take more than four years to get their high school degree or are drop-outs, which limits their job opportunities. If they were properly motivated in school, their unsatisfactory future might be averted. They could have come to school and gotten good grades, moving forward to do amazing things in their future.

Chu also said, “I think giving students a reward for coming to school will motivate them.”

Could that help? Truant students are known for doing what they please without thinking of the effect it could have on their lives. Luxurious rewards might provide incentive to get children in school and focusing on a brighter future. But the school budget is not fit to include luxury items. Really, getting a high school degree should be the reward.

Everyone possesses potential. They just need a little push. With the right amount of motivation, students can succeed in life after high school.