Matching students with success: Brooke Libby

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Brooke Libby is on her way to success.

OXFORD HILLS — Last year, when Brooke Libby first entered Oxford Hills Middle School, the only aspiration she had was to survive. She didn’t think much beyond that, and it proved to be almost fatal as she continued to struggle academically.

She was in danger of not meeting seventh-grade benchmarks, which research shows adds to the potential of dropout before graduation.

The Experiential Team was entering its second year at OHMS, and Libby was referred to the team. One quarter into her eighth-grade year has proven successes. Libby, now thinking beyond the immediate of just surviving middle school, says, “After I graduate high school, I want to work with my dad at Glorifications,” which is a carpentry business.

“I’ve always been around guys," she coniues, "I'm tuned into what guys do. I’m tuned into work, and I don’t mind hard work!”

When Libby was in a regular classroom, her focus just couldn’t stay on what the teacher was saying, and she didn’t learn by reading about something.

The hands-on learning that the XL Team is prided for, has clicked with Libby.

“For me, this is a better way to learn," says Libby. "I’m working harder than I did last year because I actually understand what I am doing and what I need to do better. My teachers know what I am capable of and know I can work hard.

"I have conversations with my teachers about how I am doing, and something has clicked in my head that tells me I need to continue with school, so I can get a good paying job after I graduate high school.”

Her new-found aspirations show that Libby has been matched with success.