Nebo Attendance Program Recognizes Outstanding Students

Submitted by ts on
Nebo School District’s Nebo Attendance Court (NAC) recognized two students who graduated from the program last week. Zack Hickman of Landmark High is the first to have earned the right to graduate from NAC. Zack set a goal of having perfect attendance and with the support of his parents, school and the NAC program staff, he attained that goal last Tuesday, November 3. He also had $25.00 of his fine refunded to him. When asked what was a motivating factor Zack said, “Honestly, I didn’t want to be in the program so I just did what I needed to do to get out.” His parents have encouraged and supported Zack throughout the program. They are very proud of his accomplishments and success. His dad said, “I thought it was great. He (Zack) did a complete 180. I think it was a combination of the program and Landmark. He enjoys going to school now.” Salem NAC Judge Brent Bartholomew encouraged Zach to continue setting and reaching goals throughout his life, and wished him well in his academic endeavors. Todd Moake, Campus Supervisor at Landmark High stated, “Zack was very contentious and took a lot of responsibility upon himself to make sure he was in class and that his attendance was marked correctly. He’s done a great job.” Kyle Remund of Springville High struggled with feeling connected to the school and having a desire to attend his classes. His academics reflected his poor attendance. Kyle began with the Nebo Attendance Court late last spring and by the end of the first quarter of school this year has had near perfect attendance. By doing so, he earned the privilege to have $25.00 of his $50.00 fine returned, and he was awarded his choice of a pair of Oakley sunglasses. In the perfect attendance drawing held on Thursday, November 5, Kyle also won an IPOD. When asked what made the difference, Kyle stated, “It helped having the Judge check in on me. Once I committed to making the changes, I saw the difference by my grades improving, and it made me want to keep working on it. By improving my grades and attendance it made my parents happier and I got more privileges at home.” His mother is also very happy with the change in Kyle’s grades, attendance, and attitude. “I just loved the program. It forced him to do what he was supposed to do all along. And then it became a positive habit for him.” The NAC program and SHS hope that Kyle earns the rest of his $50.00 fine back through continued perfect attendance. “The majority of SHS students have improved through NAC. It provides structure and motivation to help them succeed as well as clear consequences when expectations are not met,” said Amber Whatcott, attendance tracker from SHS. Springville NAC Judge David Zeidner remarked, “ I am very proud to be part of such a successful program, and have enjoyed watching students like Kyle completely turn things around.”
Attributions
Lana H. Hiskey - Public Information Officer - Nebo School District