Webster High School’s graduation rate has risen from 53.3 percent to 75.5 percent since 2013 and the Class of 2017 has posted a 33% increase in college going seniors

TULSA, OK – May 17, 2017 – Platinum recording artists the Chainsmokers partnered with Get Schooled to crash Webster High School’s senior day to recognize the staff and students at Webster High School for their extraordinary increases in graduation rates and college going rates.  At an all school assembly, the Chainsmokers spoke about the power that comes from doing extraordinary things.   They even surprised the senior class by giving every student a ticket to their concert tonight at the BOK in Tulsa.

Webster High School serves a diverse mix of students, 90% of whom qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch. Staff and students have worked together to dramatically improve the school’s graduation rate, jumping more than 20 percentage points in just four years.  In Sept. 2016, the Webster team knocked on doors, made phone calls, and used social media to find “no-show” students and get them back in school.

Not only will the school continue to see a higher graduation rate than past years, but the Webster class of 2017 has increased college-acceptance rates by 33% over the prior year.

Since 2013, Webster High School has partnered with Diplomas Now, a national school improvement model aimed at ensuring students have access to the academic, emotional and social supports they need to succeed in middle and high school and graduate ready for college and beyond.

“The collaborative efforts of our Diplomas Now team highlights the success students can achieve when schools and communities partner together. We are extremely proud of the class of 2017 and all that their successes represent for not only Webster High School, but for the Tulsa School district as well,” said Laura Weeldreyer, Chief Program Officer for Talent Development Secondary, lead partner of Diplomas Now.

“The Webster High School community in partnership with Diplomas Now united the school around a common goal:  improved graduation.  Incredibly, they engaged every teacher and student in this work and in doing so have demonstrated to  the nation what is possible when schools and partners work together, “ said Marie Groark, Executive Director of Get Schooled. “We are excited to recognize their hard work and success.”

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah A. Gist said “The Webster community has raised the bar for excellence, and we are incredibly proud of the gains our students have made in the last year. Every one of these graduates will have expanded opportunities for personal and professional success – receiving a high school diploma is truly life-changing accomplishment.”

About Get Schooled

Get Schooled is a non-profit organization that directly engages and motivates students to graduate from high school and succeed in college. Get Schooled is the premiere education brand for young people – linking students with high quality, cutting edge resources and tools they need to succeed. Get Schooled has developed a track record of success because it engages with young Americans using the media, technology and popular culture that is an integral part of their lives. Get Schooled’s work is boosted by partners like Viacom, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Comcast.  For more details on Get Schooled, visit www.getschooled.com.

About Diplomas Now

Diplomas Now partners with the nation’s most challenged middle and high schools to improve outcomes for students with the greatest needs. Diplomas Now provides whole school improvement practices and an early warning system that identifies students who are off track in attendance, behavior and course performance. Diplomas Now then provides individualized academic and social-emotional support and case management to get them on track.

Diplomas Now was launched in 2008 by three organizations working in partnership: Talent Development Secondary at Johns Hopkins University, which provides curriculum and instruction support to teachers; City Year, which provides high-impact student, classroom and school-wide academic and social-emotional interventions; and Communities In Schools, which provides case management support to students with the highest needs. To learn more about Diplomas Now, visit www.diplomasnow.org

About Tulsa Public Schools

Tulsa Public Schools’ vision is to be the destination for extraordinary educators who work with our community and families to ignite the joy of learning and prepare every student for the greatest success in college, careers and life. Their mission is to inspire and prepare every student to love learning, achieve ambitious goals and make positive contributions to the world. Visit www.tulsaschools.org for more information.