Sames Bastrop Ford and Bastrop ISD held a pep rally of sorts Monday night, to get students fired up about the prospect of winning a brand-new SUV.
The deal is if you make it to school, every day, you could drive away in a new carBastrop ISD is using a bold, new strategy to get students to show up for class. District officials are hoping a shot at a brand-new car, could be a fun solution to the very real problem of chronic absenteeism.
"This is a way to motivate them to go to school, to class, get an education and also get a brand-new car," said Craig Murphy, general manager for Sames Bastrop Ford."Every six weeks if a student has perfect attendance every single class period every single day they’ll get a voucher," said Bastrop Deputy Superintendent Kristi Lee. "The more you’re here and get perfect attendance, the more vouchers you will receive to go into the drawing at the end of the school year.
"We really faced some challenges of getting kids back on site," said Kasie Stagman, principal at Cedar Creek High School. "When we see kids not going to school, that can affect their credits, and affect them being able to graduate."Students we spoke to say they’re pretty confident an automotive incentive just might work.
The contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12. Some say it could even lead to a bit of a rivalry among the participating schools: Bastrop High School, Cedar Creek High School and Colorado River Collegiate Academy.But if you think a car contest means the end of "senior skip day"—think again.