New LEAD Exchange Program: Enhancing Learning and Supporting Families at Local Schools

LEAD Public Schools has started a new program, the LEAD Exchange, to support families and enhance learning. The program, launched at LEAD Brick Church and LEAD Neely’s Bend, gives students access to basic necessities like laundry detergent and hygiene products. Students earn bucks for attending school, which they can use to buy these items at the LEAD Exchange store. Each school day equals $5.00 in bucks, with a monthly shopping period for families to buy essentials.

Dr. Ricki Gibbs, LEAD’s head of elementary schools, designed the initiative based on a similar program at his previous school. Dr. Gibbs highlighted the need for regular school attendance for students to grasp grade-level material. He believes the LEAD Exchange will motivate students and parents to prioritize daily attendance, leading to better academic performance.

The LEAD Exchange is unique as it doesn't require an intake form, questions, or eligibility criteria. All students at LEAD Brick Church and LEAD Neely’s Bend can participate. Biridiana Martinez, LEAD’s family engagement associate, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in meeting the academic and broader needs of students and their families.

Dr. Gibbs also underscored the role of family engagement in creating a supportive educational environment. He pointed out that this engagement supports academic success and contributes to a comprehensive approach to education, addressing students' social, emotional, and behavioral development.

The LEAD Exchange was officially launched on February 29 at Neely’s Bend and on March 1 at Brick Church. For the 2023-24 academic year, both schools will have a LEAD Exchange. The program is planned to be expanded to other LEAD campuses in the 2024-25 academic year.

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