Send the Message that Showing Up Matters! September is Attendance Awareness Month
Regular attendance is essential for students gaining the academic and social skills they need to thrive. Research shows that when students are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire school year), they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school and graduate from high school.
We can nurture a culture of engagement and attendance at school. This starts by helping everyone in the community – families, elected officials, businesses, nonprofits, religious leaders and more – recognize they have a stake and a role, because schools certainly can’t do it alone. We all prosper when children and youth, regardless of their race, ethnicity, neighborhood, family income or disability status, have the opportunity to gain skills and abilities that prepare them for success in school, work and life.
Below are key messages that everyone can use this year to raise awareness about the urgent need to partner with students and families in order to improve attendance, engagement and academic achievement.