Attendance Avengers: Building a Culture of Belonging to Combat Absenteeism
“Chronic absenteeism can’t be solved with consequences, but it must be defeated with connection.“
In this webinar, Jana Clark and Cortnie Bryan from Boyd Elementary shared practical, low-cost strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism by building a strong culture of belonging.
Key Takeaways
1. Increased Attendance Rates: Boyd Elementary increased overall attendance from 94.4% to 96% in one year by fostering a culture of belonging and connection.
2. Effective Attendance Strategies: Key strategies included daily attendance announcements, immediate rewards for attendance goals, and creative incentives like the “Jacket Nopoly” game.
3. Improved Staff Retention: Staff retention was bolstered with a 94% retention rate and a 96% staff attendance rate through initiatives like the “Win It Wagon” and regular pulse checks.
4. Enhanced Community Engagement: Community engagement was enhanced through events like a summer book fair, Thanksgiving parade, and All Pro Dads meetings, emphasizing the importance of family and community involvement.
5. Boosted Morale Activities: The school implemented various fun and engaging activities, such as mystery singers, dress-up days, and student advisory boards, to maintain high levels of student and staff morale.