Editor’s note

Here are some metrics that matter as much as math. School District 186 has polled students in grades 5-12 on their levels of “hope,” “engagement” and “wellbeing” as part of a national project by the Gallup research organization. Results for Springfi eld’s students closely track national averages, showing that about two-thirds of schoolchildren are thriving while about one-third are struggling or suffering. A panel of fully engaged and excited school offi cials revealed the poll results at the Citizens Club meeting last week, discussing their plans for how to help more students love school more. They know that positive responses to “I have a best friend at school” and “There is an adult in my life who cares about my future” and “Did you smile or laugh a lot yesterday?” are key to leaving no child behind. –Fletcher Farrar, editor and publisher