Drake Passage program and homecoming: student leaders describe belonging, new staff and strong community turnout

Student board member Burger briefed the Lebanon City Schools Board of Education on student life and the new Drake Passage program at the Sept. 15 meeting, highlighting homecoming turnout, pep-rally participation and early student outcomes from the Drake Passage classroom.

Why it matters: student engagement and new student-centered programs can affect retention, school climate and individual student success; the board heard concrete early indicators that the district’s Drake Passage pilot is creating supportive relationships for participating students.

Key points: - Homecoming and student participation: Burger described the homecoming week as high-energy and said the district sold “a little over 1,200 tickets out of our 1,600 students,” called it one of the higher ticket-sales totals in recent years and said the varsity football team beat West Claremont 49-14. She said pep-rally game participation was markedly higher than in prior years and the float-building competition was well attended. - Drake Passage program: Burger said Drake Passage is a student‑centered program designed to foster “growth through connection, flexibility, and support.” She reported the program currently has “6 or 7” students split between morning and afternoon sessions, that students work on smaller, achievable assignments and that participation is expected to grow. Staff named in the presentation as working with the program included Lauren Miller, Mr. Galloway (Drake Passage facilitator) and Alyssa Hensey (educational assistant). Burger said staff and students reported positive feedback during daily closing meetings that ask for a "rose, a bud and a thorn"—a quick reflection on successes and challenges. - Student opportunities: Burger said Drake Passage students are allowed to participate in standard events (including homecoming) and that the program partners with Jen Coleman’s career-experience class to give students exposure to community speakers and career pathways.

Board response and context: board members commended the students for the report and the district for supporting the program; questions from the board clarified current Drake Passage enrollment and how students are scheduled (split morning/afternoon with plans to expand). No formal action was taken; the student update was received as informational.

Ending: Board members said they valued the student perspective and encouraged continued updates on Drake Passage enrollment and outcomes as the program scales.