Sophomore boot camp aims to boost high school graduation rates


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OGDEN — Some new high school students in Ogden are beginning the school year with boot camp. It's designed to make sure these new recruits graduate.

Sophomore boot camp is a three-day course with a serious purpose: get sophomores on track so they'll finish high school. It's a kinder, gentler program than military boot camp.

“They’re kind, and they want you to learn,” one sophomore said of those who run the program.

Participants learn how to access things like the online grading system, find their lockers, and learn the combinations.

“There’re basics, and that’s what boot camp is, to learn the basics, to break you down to understand what the foundation and fundamentals are,” said Dale Wilkinson, principal at Ben Lomond High School.

The goal is to get graduation rates to 90 percent.

“There is some good research that it actually increases graduation rates,” said Denise Bingham of Ben Lomond High. “While it may seem premature — they’re only in 10th grade — it really does make a big difference in retention.”

The program helps students from the moment they walk in the doors.

“It helped me be able to clamp down and know what I’m doing once I start,” said sophomore Katelynn Hurd.

Educators say the ultimate goal is to prepare the students for college. But first they need the confidence and skills to get through high school.

“We want them to succeed,” said Melanie Clifford, also of Ben Lomond High. “It’s just so important. You know, if they want to provide for their families, they have to have a high school education.” Deanie Wimmer anchors the KSL News and helps lead the Read Today program. contact her at deanie.wimmer@ksl.com

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