BAYLEE & DR. JENNIFER JENNINGS STORY

“I think what’s most important about the program is that she knows that when she is absent, somebody at school is worried about her, cares about her, and wants her to be here.”

My name is Baylee. I’m nine years old and I’m in the third grade. In the past, I really didn’t like going to school. I wouldn’t like to get up and I just wouldn’t go. Part of the reason was that I always got bullied and it was very hard. When I joined the Be There program, things changed. I have a buddy looking out for me. People don’t bother me now. Dr. Jennings is my buddy and also my teacher. She calls if I don’t show up and checks to see if I’m okay. Now I go to school every day. I really don’t miss any more days. The Be There program is fun. Some days we get to go to breakfast with our buddy. A few weeks ago, as a reward for good attendance, I earned Subway for lunch and if I make it five more weeks, I’ll get that again too. School is a lot different now. I have more fun and I know people care about me.

My name is Dr. Jennifer Jennings and I am Baylee’s Be There buddy and her 3rd-grade teacher. This United Way program has made such a difference for Baylee. She really struggled with attendance and now she has taken such a strong interest in being in school. I think a lot of her success has to do with her comfort in classroom and her comfort with the other kids. She really wants to do well in school. And she really is a joy. She tells stories and she comes to talk to me. I love that I can count on her to say “no” to something, and I give her the look and she just rolls her eyes right back at me. Then she jumps in and participates and does great! It’s about getting over that initial anxiety. And when she does, she is very communicative, shares her feelings and is very open.

I think what’s most important about the program is that she knows that when she is absent, somebody at school is worried about her, cares about her, and wants her to be here. United Way’s Be There program is an amazing way to help children who are disconnected from school, feel more connected.

The students have the opportunity to form a strong relationship with a trusted adult who is really looking out for them and really invested in whether or not they’re here every day. It’s an important bridge between school and home. I’m super proud of Baylee and her family for embracing this challenge. And I can’t wait to see where she goes from here.

United Way’s Be There program helps improve attendance through encouragement and positive reinforcement. Thanks to the generous support of United Way donors, Be There gives children like Baylee the confidence to attend school and achieve a brighter future.