Roosevelt School District Launches New Graduation Initiative

The Roosevelt School District today announced the launch of a new initiative, focused on achieving a 100 percent graduation rate by the year 2020. The new, multi-pronged strategy is intended to galvanize students’ and parents’ involvement in each student’s graduation plan. The District is also working with legendary musician Darryl “DMC” McDaniels as a mentor and role model to encourage and inspire students to graduate.

“As part of our ‘100 Percent Graduation by 2020’ initiative, every student in the District will have an individual graduation plan,” said Roosevelt School District Superintendent Dr. Marnie Hazelton. “District staff and administrators will work individually with students and families to ensure all targets are being met.”

The Roosevelt School District will create a student-superintendent advisory committee to create a two-way communication system between students and the district, gaining valuable feedback on areas students feel are most important. The District will also hire new staff to oversee the initiative, including a new dean and a data analytics team to track district-wide data and trends. The new tracking system will help with early identification of students who may be struggling and need additional support.

“We are using every technological, logistical and interpersonal tool at our disposal to reach our goal of a 100 percent graduation rate,” said Roosevelt School District Superintendent Dr. Marnie Hazelton. “So far we’ve received incredible feedback from the community, including from Darryl McDaniels. We’re incredibly grateful for his support, and for the support of parents and families in making this goal a reality.”

Darryl McDaniels recently spoke with 9th grade students, the Class of 2020, to encourage them to take responsibility for their futures, study hard and stay in school. McDaniels in Grammy-nominated, and has been an undeniable influence on pop culture for more than 30 years, remaining at the forefront of hip hop history. As a founding member of Run DMC, he was in the first rap group on the cover of Rolling Stone and on MTV, and is a Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He is the co-founder of the nonprofit, Felix Organization and has appeared before Congress in support of adoptees and foster children.

Please visit the District website, www.rooseveltufsd.org for more information about upcoming Roosevelt School District updates and events.