School Does Anything For Kids To Succeed, Even Laundry

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Whatever it takes.

That's the attitude at Dallas' Roger Mills elementary now ushering in a new era of success. And soon, 'whatever it takes' will include laundry.

"If I could do back flips, I probably would have," says Principal Tonya Clark. "Our entire school community is overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the generosity from Conn's."

The appliance company recently donated a new washer and dryer set to the school. Research has found that attendance improves in poor communities when students have access to laundry facilities at school, because dirty uniforms--and no way to wash them--can keep kids out of class.

"It happens all the time," says Takiyah McMillian. McMillian teaches the Gifted & Talented classes at Roger Mills. She says she sees the soiled and worn uniforms and sees the laundry facilities as another way staffers can help children overcome obstacles.
"Having clean clothes is kind of essential," says McMillian, "and it's something that many middle class people take for granted. "We can't teach kids who aren't here… and if that (washer/dryer) is providing us the opp to make sure that those seats are filled with enthusiastic, confident kids, then that's what we'll do."

And the proof is in the performance. Once labeled, 'Improvement Required' after repeatedly failing to meet state standards, Mills is now off the list. The school also received an award from the Texas Education Agency for the rapid pace of the improvement—all just one year after Clark took over. And while she refuses to allow poverty to define her kids' future. Still, it hurts.

"It hurts me to see that there are things, very basic needs that our kids have, that are not necessarily able to be met," says Clark, her eyes filling with tears. "But, it also warms my heart to know that I can be a part of making sure that we're giving our kids access to what they need to be successful in school."

And she credits the classroom teachers for the school's improvement—saying "with the right people on the bus, siting in the right seats, that bus can go absolutely anywhere."
And poverty? Well, Mills plans to roll right over it.

"I you look good you feel good, and if you feel good, you perform well," says McMillian, adding, "every student deserves the opportunity to feel like a million bucks when they walk into that classroom."