It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child – the City of Gainesville believes it also takes a city. As a component of the City Commission’s Partnership for Student Success Program, the city adopted Gainesville High School (GHS), home of the Hurricanes, and established the “Raising ‘Canes” program. Raising ‘Canes provides city resources, such as bus passes and volunteer mentors, to strengthen the school in areas designated by GHS as needing improvement.
It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child – the City of Gainesville believes it also takes a city. As a component of the City Commission’s Partnership for Student Success Program, the city adopted Gainesville High School (GHS), home of the Hurricanes, and established the “Raising ‘Canes” program. Raising ‘Canes provides city resources, such as bus passes and volunteer mentors, to strengthen the school in areas designated by GHS as needing improvement.
“We will work closely with Dr. Dixion [the principal of GHS] and his staff to direct the City’s resources to help the school achieve its potential in our community,” said Assistant City Manager Lee Ann Lowery. “Through this program, we hope to make a positive and lasting impact on the school and its students.”
This program is already underway, and is producing results in the short amount of time since its inception. Students are able to easily attend after-school tutoring through the city’s donation of 250 bus passes. City employees are volunteering to proctor standardized tests. Additionally, the school has benefited from the “Canes Crew,” a team of city landscaping professionals. Students received awards for outstanding academic and leadership efforts at a presentation during the May 14 City Commission meeting and student art work is currently displayed in the lobby of City Hall.
While much is already underway, a mentoring program pairing city employees with GHS students will be at the heart of the Raising ‘Canes program beginning fall 2007. Plans for students to job-shadow city employees and a classroom support program are also in the works.
Although it is still growing, Raising ‘Canes is already making an impact. “For a partnership program that is just beginning,” said Dr. Wiley Dixon, Principal of GHS, “this program is demonstrating tremendous potential to benefit the students at Gainesville High School.”
For more information, contact Bob Woods, Communications and Marketing Manager, City of Gainesville, at GainesvillePIO@cityofgainesville.org