Graduation Matters Missoula Looks To Keep Students Active in Classrooms

Throughout the month of March, Missoula County Public Schools will celebrate Graduation Matters Missoula month.

"This month we're really focusing on brain breaks and take 10's which are in classroom activities designed to get students moving because all the research shows that kids who are active, jumping up and down and moving, perform better academically and better on tests," United Way Missoula chapter Executive Director Susan Hay Patrick said. "It is a win win all around."

Patrick said Graduation Matters has been very successful.

"We have the highest graduation rate of any of the big AA districts and I think it is because the community is aware that ensuring students success isn't just a responsibility of teachers and school staffs," said Patrick. "We all have a role to play in helping kids stay and succeed in school at least through high school graduation."

MCPS leads the state with the lowest dropout rate among AA high schools at 1.9 percent, down from 2.6 percent in the 2013-14 school year.