How?

• Ask your school age employees about their report cards, which now also have comments about respect and responsibility. The schools are letting students know that their performance and behavior at school does matter for future employment. We need businesses to support this message and encourage students with their learning process.

• Limit the number of hours students work. According to Doug Hall, Co-Executive Director of the NH Center for Public Policy, high school achievement is statistically related to the number of hours a student is employed during the school year. Students benefit from a few hours of work during the week, but those who work more than 12 hours a week tend to do poorer at school and have a higher tendency to drop out. (This is also confirmed through informal studies at Kennett)

• When interviewing students about a job ask to see their resume. All 9th graders will be working on their resumes and many upperclassmen will be working on their Certificate of Initial Mastery. They need to know that businesses really do look for such documentation.

• Continue to support our youth and local youth programs. Research has shown that the following factors can make a huge impact on a child’s ability to grow into a self-supporting and contributing member of society:

• Ongoing relationships with caring adults — parents, mentors, tutors or coaches;

• Safe places with structured activities during nonschool hours;

• Healthy start and future;

• Marketable skills through effective education; and

• Opportunities to give back through community service.

• We all must take responsibility and get involved to advance the well-being of our youth. Call the Partnership to find out other specific ways you can help.

Why not share your lunch break with a kid today?

BUDDY UP WITH A STUDENT IN A LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MEET FOR LUNCH ONCE A WEEK

– just be a friend –

• Kids are asking for mentors – it makes their day!

• It might just make yours too!

• Contact Hannah Billington at 723-8849