Council Bluffs Community School District Launches Initiative to Boost Student Attendance
In an effort to combat declining school attendance, the Council Bluffs Community School District has turned to the community for support, launching a new campaign titled “Attend Today, Achieve More Tomorrow.” This initiative highlights the critical connection between consistent attendance and academic performance, aiming to ensure that children attend school regularly.
Superintendent Vickie Murillo underscored the importance of the campaign in a press release dated October 22. She stated, “Every day counts when it comes to a child’s education. Research shows a direct correlation between regular attendance and academic success, including higher grades and increased graduation rates. This campaign is about equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive.”
The issue of school attendance is more pressing than ever, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to national statistics, chronic absenteeism has almost doubled since 2019, with one in four students reported as chronically absent in the 2022-2023 school year. The Council Bluffs School District is not just reacting to this trend; they are actively combatting it by fostering community engagement and collaboration.
As part of their strategy, the district is partnering with Attendance Works, an organization that has sought to improve school attendance across the Omaha metropolitan area since 2017. Attendance Works identifies four main reasons behind chronic absenteeism:
1. Barriers to Attendance: Challenges such as illness, family responsibilities, lack of transportation, housing insecurity, food instability, and interactions with the court system often prevent students from attending school regularly.
2. Aversion to School: Factors like anxiety, an unwelcoming school environment, academic struggles, undiagnosed disabilities, and lack of support for students with disabilities can discourage children from attending.
3. Disengagement from School: A lack of challenging or culturally responsive instruction, insufficient teacher-student relationships, and limited enrichment opportunities contribute to students feeling disconnected from the school.
4. Misconceptions about Attendance: Parents and students may believe that only unexcused absences matter or that attendance is less important during early education years, leading to a misunderstanding about the impact of missing school.
Recognizing these challenges, the Council Bluffs schools are working closely with parents and education staff to pinpoint and address these barriers, all in a bid to “empower students to reach their full potential” through improved attendance.
One of the more creative elements of the “Attend Today, Achieve More Tomorrow” campaign involves a partnership with Hy-Vee grocery stores. Families of students who maintain a 90% or higher attendance rate throughout November are eligible to receive a coupon for 10% off their grocery bill, as well as a complimentary dozen cookies per child. This reward system is set to distribute coupons at the end of the first academic quarter, providing an extra incentive for families to prioritize school attendance.
“We look forward to partnering with Hy-Vee throughout this campaign as we work together to support our families,” Murillo said. “We believe that through collaboration, we can continue to provide a supportive environment where every student feels motivated and empowered to attend school consistently.”
According to Attendance Works, “chronic absence” is defined as missing more than 10% of school days for any reason—excused or unexcused. This threshold is crucial for identifying students at risk of falling behind, as chronic absenteeism does not only affect those with blatant truancy issues but also impacts students from families who genuinely care about education yet face significant obstacles.
The urgency of improving school attendance cannot be overstated. The Council Bluffs schools have set an ambitious goal of ensuring at least 80% of students attend school regularly—a target seen as vital for the academic success and overall well-being of the community’s youth.
As the district embarks on this important campaign, it is evident that fostering a culture of attendance requires not just educational strategies but also community involvement. The success of this initiative depends on collective efforts from educators, parents, and local businesses, bridging the gaps that may hinder children from receiving the education they deserve. With campaigns like “Attend Today, Achieve More Tomorrow,” Council Bluffs is taking significant strides toward a brighter academic future for all its students.
