Attend to achieve: Everyone plays a role in supporting student attendance

Bernadeia H. Johnson, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

The second semester at Minneapolis Public Schools begins on Jan. 22 and with its start comes a renewed focus on making sure that students attend school so that they can achieve in school. We launched the Attend to Achieve campaign in September 2012 because we know that attendance is a critical foundation to student success, but far too many students are not attending school as regularly as they should. Study after study proves that being in school leads to succeeding in school.

When students attend school they are much more likely to achieve their dreams and enroll in college. We want all students to attend school at least 95% of the time; that means missing no more than nine days a year. Students who attend school 95% of the time do better in reading and math, have fewer suspensions, are less likely to fail a class and are more likely to have the credits they need to graduate. In fact, high school students who attend school 95% of the time are one-and-a-half times more likely to be on-track to graduate on time.

We cannot teach students when they are not in school. We are calling on all parents, students, community members and staff members to help ensure that students attend school—every student, every day. Students can make sure they are organized for school the night before so they are prepared to arrive at school on time every day. Families can schedule appointments or vacations for times when school is not in session. Community members can make connections with young people in their community and talk to them about the importance of attending school. Staff members can help make sure that school is a welcoming place for students and families.

Attendance counts—and everyone plays a role in supporting student attendance. Visit www.attendtoachieve.org to learn more. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Bernadeia H. Johnson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools