CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns Foundation is teaming up with Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) to boost attendance for school kids to win in life as studies show that children who regularly attend school get better grades, have higher graduation rates, attend community or four-year colleges and earn more money over their lifetimes.
"The Cleveland Browns Foundation brings a strong and visible partner," said Eric Gordon, CEO of Cleveland Schools. "Our kids look up to the Browns, wear their team colors, follow their season, and we see in the team and players the kind of dedication and hard work it takes to play in the NFL. These players have to show up every day, just like our kids need to show up every day, to succeed."
Students who miss more than 10 days of school are 9 percent less likely to meet the requirements of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, 34 percent less likely to graduate on track and score lower on state reading and math tests.
"We are proud to partner with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for the Get to School Campaign as we help prepare our youth and city for success through education," said Browns Owner/President of the Cleveland Browns Foundation Dee Haslam. "Students who are in school regularly are more likely to develop academic and life skills, and it is our entire community's responsibility to encourage positive attendance so that every child has that opportunity."
As part of the "Get to School. You Can Make It!" Campaign, the Cleveland Browns Foundation will join CMSD in developing the optimal strategy and its implementation to minimize absences and encourage students to be accountable for their personal attendance. The Foundation will also donate tickets to Browns games and other prizes, coordinate player involvement through motivational messages and school visits and more to help incentivize positive attendance.
Additionally, a portion of the Cleveland Browns Foundation's 50/50 raffle, hosted during each Browns 2015 home game, will benefit CMSD and the United Way, with both groups providing volunteers. Proceeds received by CMSD from the 50/50 raffle, which raised more than $175,000 for the Cleveland Browns Foundation and local charities in 2014, will be used to create promotional materials encouraging positive attendance habits.
For additional information, contact: Mary Anne Sharkey, 216-554-1179, masharkey@gmail.com.
About the Cleveland Browns Foundation
The Cleveland Browns Foundation is dedicated to a solution-based, holistic approach to ensure Northeast Ohio youth receive the development and education they need as a foundation for independence and success. For more information, visit www.clevelandbrowns.com/foundation.
