Martin City School asks for community’s help

The school’s new outdoor education classroom needs a volunteer to help with lawn maintenance. Photo by Kathy Feist

Martin City K-8 School looks to community to reach goals

By Kathy Feist

Martin City K-8 Schools held its first Caring for Kids meeting surrounded by school staff and representatives from area churches and newspaper. Let’s face it,” Principal Johnny Dodge said. “Martin City is not a neighborhood school.”

Dodge quoted over 60 percent were being bussed in from outside the immediate community.  About the same percentage of students are transient and may be in a different school by January.

Missing the bus or having moved without notice makes it difficult for a school to meet attendance requirements.

Last year Martin City K-8 missed the school district’s goal to have 90 percent of the students in attendance 90 percent of the school year. Its number was more like 82 percent for the middle school, and 86 percent for the elementary, both below other Grandview schools.

“I need ideas how to increase attendance,” he pleaded.

Dodge was looking to community leaders for help. That is the goal of Caring for Kids KC.

Caring for Kids KC engages the community–churches, businesses, and civic groups– to help area schools reach their goals.

Those around the room suggested incentives. Some recommended a mentoring program that would also ensure children make it to school in the morning.

“Twenty-two kids. That’s all we need is 22 kids to move us up to 90 percent. Both Kindergarten to 8th Grade,” he said.

Most said they would approach church members for help and ideas.

Over the summer, volunteers from the community transformed the Autism Room into a more soothing and quieter space. Photo courtesy Michael Lane.

Dodge went on to show a slideshow of  community volunteers who helped repaint the schools Sensory Room for children with special needs.

The next room up for community volunteer help is the Family Consumer Education classroom, which needs to replace old stoves, microwaves, blenders, and cooking supplies.

An Outdoor Education Classroom, complete with fish pond, vegetables, and bird feeders was also in need of volunteer maintenance work.

If you or your organization would like to become a Caring for Kids community partner, or volunteer or donate items, contact Cindy Coomer at cindy.coomer@grandviewc4.net.