The Pando Impact

Sophia’s path to success was not always smooth. She was referred to the Pando due to her persistent struggles with excessive absences and tardiness. Coming to school was a daily battle for her, as she grappled with feelings of discomfort and anxiety. This quiet and shy little girl found engaging in conversations with classmates and adults to be a daunting task. Her classroom participation and focus were often overshadowed by stress, making each school day a challenge.

At the beginning of her participation in the Pando program, Sophia was far from a social butterfly. Social interactions were awkward, and she remained reserved. But as time passed and with the support of the program, Sophia began to blossom. While she may still be quiet and shy, her ability to make friends and engage in conversations has steadily improved throughout the school year.

One remarkable change was observed during group lunch activities. Sophia, once hesitant to join in, now actively participates and has even become quite competitive during reading, writing, and financial literacy games. Her newfound confidence and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed by her peers and teachers.

In the classroom, Sophia is a star student. Her teachers have nothing but praise for her. She is well-behaved and consistently follows the rules. It’s clear that she is not only a joy to have in class but also a role model for her fellow students.

Perhaps the most astounding transformation lies in Sophia’s attendance record. In the 2021-22 school year, she faced chronic attendance problems, recording a total of 28 absences and 7 tardies. Fast forward to the end of the 2022-23 school year, where Sophia completed an impressive 172 school days with just 4.5 absences and one tardy. This remarkable improvement in attendance is a testament to her dedication and commitment to her education.

As a crowning achievement, Sophia was recently honored as one of Pando’s Star Award Winners. This award recognizes her outstanding attendance and impressive performance in schoolwork throughout the school year. It’s clear that Sophhia’s journey from a shy, struggling student to a shining star is nothing short of inspiring.

Her story serves as a reminder that with determination, the right support system, and unwavering perseverance, every student can overcome their challenges and reach for the stars. Sophia’s future is undoubtedly bright, and her success story will continue to inspire others on their own unique journeys to success.