Detroit is making some big changes to help its students get to school on time. The city’s “Ride to Rise” program, which provides free bus rides to K-12 students, is becoming permanent and just got a $1 million boost from the state. This program is a big deal because it’s not just about getting kids to school – it’s also about helping them get to jobs, sports, and after-school programs.
The city is trying to tackle a major problem: chronic absenteeism. Detroit Public Schools Community District has struggled with this issue for years, and it’s not just about kids missing school – it’s about how that can affect their entire future. The district’s superintendent, Nikolai Vitti, is urging families to make sure their kids are in school on the first day, because every day counts. The city is also implementing other measures to encourage attendance, like training “transit ambassadors” to help kids get to school safely.
The city is also focusing on making sure kids have access to healthcare, because when they’re healthy, they can focus on learning. The Detroit Health Department is offering free screenings, vaccines, and other health services, and Delta Dental is providing free care to kids under 21. It’s all part of the city’s effort to show its students that it’s invested in their success. As Mayor Mary Sheffield said, “The future of our city is walking into classrooms across Detroit this month” – and the city is stepping up to support them.