Salina Public Schools (USD 305) has introduced a new district-wide initiative aimed at improving student attendance. The campaign, titled “Greatness Grows When You’re Here,” seeks to highlight the direct link between regular school attendance and a student's academic and personal success. The program involves a coordinated effort between educators, families, and the local community to foster strong attendance habits from an early age.
Key Takeaways
- Salina Public Schools has launched the “Greatness Grows When You’re Here” attendance awareness campaign.
- The initiative addresses chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year.
- Research shows missing just two days of school per month can lead to academic and social challenges.
- The district is partnering with families, community members, and local businesses to promote consistent attendance.
Understanding the New Attendance Initiative
Salina Public Schools is taking a proactive stance on student attendance with its new program. The core message of the “Greatness Grows When You’re Here” campaign is that consistent presence in the classroom is fundamental to a student's overall development. District officials are working to create a supportive network that helps families overcome potential barriers to regular attendance.
The campaign is not just about tracking unexcused absences. It recognizes that all missed days, whether excused, unexcused, or due to disciplinary actions, can disrupt the learning process. The goal is to build a culture where attending school is a shared priority for the entire community.
“Strong attendance habits start early and make a huge difference, not just in academics but also in social and emotional development,” said Jody Craddock-Iselin, director of support services for Salina Public Schools.
According to Craddock-Iselin, the initiative aims to prevent students from falling behind and feeling disconnected from their school environment. By emphasizing early intervention, the district hopes to address small issues before they become significant obstacles to learning.
The Data Behind Chronic Absenteeism
A key focus of the campaign is to educate the community about the definition and impact of chronic absence. This term is used to describe a student missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason. This threshold is considered a critical tipping point where students are at a higher risk of academic failure.
What is Chronic Absence?
Missing 10% of the school year is considered chronic absence. In a standard 180-day school year, this amounts to 18 days, or approximately two days per month. Research consistently shows this level of absenteeism can severely impact a student's ability to keep up with their peers.
When students frequently miss school, they miss out on essential instruction, classroom discussions, and collaborative activities. This can lead to gaps in their knowledge that become increasingly difficult to close over time. Beyond academics, regular absences can also affect a student's social skills and their sense of belonging within the school community.
A Community-Wide Effort
Salina Public Schools emphasizes that improving attendance requires a collaborative approach. The district has outlined specific roles for its staff, families, and local business partners to ensure every student has the support they need.
Support Within the School System
Inside the schools, a dedicated team is working directly with students and their families. This team includes:
- Educators: Teachers are often the first to notice attendance patterns and can communicate with families early on.
- Counselors: School counselors are available to provide support and resources for students facing academic or personal challenges.
- Social Workers: District social workers can help families navigate more complex barriers, such as issues related to health, housing, or transportation.
This internal support system is designed to identify at-risk students and provide tailored interventions that address the root causes of their absences.
Engaging Businesses and Community Partners
The campaign extends beyond the school walls, calling on local businesses and community organizations to play an active role. The district is asking employers and service providers to help reinforce the importance of school hours.
The Role of Local Businesses
Salina Public Schools is encouraging local businesses to support the attendance initiative by asking families to schedule appointments outside of school time whenever possible. For students who work part-time, employers are asked to schedule shifts that do not conflict with the school day. This partnership helps teach students valuable time management and responsibility skills.
By aligning community practices with school schedules, the campaign aims to send a unified message that education is a top priority. This collective effort reinforces the idea that the entire community is invested in the success of its students.
How Families Can Support Student Attendance
Families are considered the most important partners in this initiative. The district has provided a clear set of actionable steps that parents and guardians can take to help build and maintain strong attendance habits for their children.
Key recommendations for families include:
- Establish Consistent Routines: Creating predictable morning and evening schedules, including set times for homework and bedtime, can help ensure students are prepared for school each day.
- Schedule Strategically: Plan family vacations during school breaks and try to schedule medical or dental appointments after school hours or on non-school days.
- Communicate with the School: If a student must be absent, it is crucial to inform the school immediately and work with teachers to catch up on missed assignments.
- Monitor Attendance Records: Stay aware of your student's attendance and engage with teachers or counselors if you notice a pattern of absences developing.
- Strive for Five: The district encourages families to adopt the “Strive for Five” goal, which means aiming for a student to miss no more than five days of school throughout the entire year.
By working together, the district believes that students, staff, families, and the wider Salina community can create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. The campaign's message is clear: being present in school is the first and most critical step toward achieving greatness.
