Education

Local School District Reduces Chronic Absenteeism with a Community-Wide Effort

Source: http://local12.com

In 2024, Middletown Schools had one of the highest chronic absenteeism rates in the Tri-State area. Now, thanks to a focused community effort, the district has lowered its rate by 11%, a major step forward.

Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 10% of school days (about 18 days), reached 44.5% in Middletown last school year far above the state average of 25%. Recognizing the urgency, the district launched new initiatives in partnership with Stay in the Game Attendance Network and FC Cincinnati to get students back in the classroom.

One big motivator? Gary, the FC Cincinnati mascot, who greets students and lifts their spirits.

“Gary, he’s out there saying good morning to kids, ‘Hi, how is your day?’ And stuff seeing if they’re alright if they’re, like, down,” said Andre Thompson, a fifth grader.

The district also rolled out “#MiddieMinutesMatter”, rewarding classrooms with strong attendance—sometimes with donut parties!

“I get donuts because I have perfect attendance,” said Remington Lester, a kindergarten student.

These efforts have brought the chronic absenteeism rate down to 33% in the first semester of this school year, a significant improvement.

Creekview Elementary Principal Jaime Lierly emphasized that this success is as a result of team effort.

Read more of the news here: https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/how-a-local-school-district-cut-chronic-absenteeism-with-a-community-wide-effort/

Image Source: http://www.bing.com

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