Combating Spring Absenteesim

Borrow strategies from this beach town AP to keep students in school when the warmer weather and end-of-school year “itch” tempts them (and their families) to miss.

Vice Principal John Bird discusses how he and his team keep students engaged as the spring weather heats up:

• Send digital postcards, create posters, and push out reminders to families of the importance of attendance. Remind families that chronic absenteeism can “derail academic progress and graduation goals (secondary).” Assure them that you want to help and support them in being present so they can be successful.
• Focus spring teacher professional learning on engagement and re-engagement strategies so classrooms feel welcoming and students feel that they belong.
• Hold solutions-focused parent/student meetings for students who have missed 10 or more days. Discuss options for transportation, support for mental health, or whatever other barriers are keeping the student from attending.
• Have students choose a teacher mentor who will send them encouraging messages each morning via Remind, Google Voice, or another school-safe platform. Messages like “Can’t wait to see you today!” or “Don’t forget, we’ve got something fun in fifth period!” can have a big impact, as they show students that someone is thinking of them and rooting for them. (More of a secondary focus.)

Dr. Bird and his staff focus on relationships as the highest point of leverage in keeping kids attending. 

Read the full post here.