Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Making a difference in students' lives may not be the exact job description for Michelle Martin, the truancy and dropout specialist for the Gatesville Independent School District, but it is a goal she works toward every day.
During a recent meeting of the Gatesville Lions Club, Martin talked about how students and been helped and encouraged, as well as of upcoming programs for the community.
Some of those she works closely with are students in GISD's WINGS (With Intentional Navigation to Graduate Successfully) program, which helps at-risk students earn their high school diploma.
"I had a class plan a Christmas meal for local families with teenagers," Martin said. "They had a $50 budget to plan. I told them to plan a meal that they would enjoy. Their idea for what to include in a holiday meal might be different from mine."
Some students only had to plan a meal for a family of two, while others had to plan for a family of six.
"They said it wasn't fair, but I told them, 'That's life.' They each had a $50 budget to plan no matter how many people were in the family. The student planning for two people had money left over and asked to give it to the student with a larger family. I thought, 'Oooh, y'all are growing.'"
Martin called H-E-B in advance, and after the students had planned their purchases, they went on a bus to shop.
"They didn't know where everything was and I pointed and told them, 'There's the signs. You have to go and look for things.'"
She said the first two students checked out with no problems, but the third student was over budget by about $10 and had to put something back.
When they had made the purchases to help local families, Martin revealed what had been a secret.
"I said, 'Hey guys, I want to tell you something. Do you know who you were shopping for?' They said, 'Yeah, these families in our community.' I said, 'No, you were shopping for yourselves. The community cares about you and made these donations so you could have a special meal. You don't know how many people in our community want you to succeed - they want you to do well.' It's been really fun to watch them grow."
Martin works with the at-risk students to teach them life lessons and offer practical advice. She works with them on how to create a budget, open accounts, fill out a rental application and learn about application fees, get library cards, and register to vote.
"These guys are essentially on their own already and I want them to have experience and confidence," she said.
Martin said her role with the district includes doing "anything and everything" to reach out to students and help them be successful.
"I talk to them about what they need or what their family needs, what's keeping them from going to school," Martin said.
She also helps plan community events such as the Spring into Summer showcase scheduled from 4:30-7:30 p.m. May 4 at Gatesville Elementary that will offer parents and students an opportunity to explore fun activities at area destinations ranging from museums and recreation sites to wildlife safaris. The event will also include a chance for local churches to let students and parents know about Vacation Bible Schools scheduled over the summer.
There will also be a bicycle rodeo and shot clinic in May.
Martin also helps to plan the Back-to-School Bash, which is planned for Aug. 5 this year.
"Last year we gave away over 300 backpacks, 84 free haircuts, 60 to 70 hearing and vision tests and a shot clinic," she said. "Last year we easily had 1,000 people that showed up. It was packed and we ran out of everything and had to turn people away."
The event had been held at First Methodist Church previously but has been relocated to Gatesville Elementary for additional space.
Lions Club member Joyce Talbott complimented Martin and her co-workers for all they do.
"I'm amazed at how you've organized everything and encourage people in the community to get involved," Talbott said.
