A Community Campaign to Improve Attendance
What You Can Do
Why Attendance is Critically Important
Studies of absenteeism show links to lower achievement levels. Students who begin missing many days of school in preschool and early elementary grades later show continued patterns of excessive absenteeism. When students aren't in school, no matter the reason, they miss valuable instruction time. Although many absences are able to be "excused" due to health concerns or other reasons, students are still at risk of negative outcomes when they are unable to be present in the classroom.t
Why Strive for 5
Maintaining consistent attendance, with no more than 5 days missed throughout the school year, lays a solid foundation for student success. Regular attendance ensures that students stay engaged with classroom instruction, enabling them to grasp key concepts and build upon their knowledge effectively. By attending school consistently, students establish routines that foster discipline and time management skills, qualities essential for academic and personal growth. Furthermore, consistent attendance facilitates strong relationships with peers and teachers, fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel connected and motivated to excel.
Benefits of 5
Setting a goal of no more than 5 absences encourages students to prioritize their attendance while also accommodating circumstances beyond their control. This goal acknowledges the diverse needs of students and families, recognizing that occasional absences may arise due to illness, family emergencies, or other unavoidable situations.
Power of 5 in Stamford
5 or less | 5 - 10 | 15+ | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 95.3% | 93.3% | 83.6% |
Average GPA | 3.2 | 3.0 | 2.1 |
% Reading at Grade Level | 71% | 66.6% | 52.7% |
The Attendance Issue in Stamford
Did you know that in the past year, nearly 21% of students across Stamford were chronically absent, meaning they missed over 18 school days (that’s almost a month of school at a minimum)?
Missing just 2 days a month can quickly add up and negatively impact a student's academic growth. Help us interrupt this pattern and cultivate a habit of good attendance starting in pre-kindergarten and extending through high school so ALL students have the opportunity to learn and succeed in school. The graph below shows the percentage of student that were chronically absent during the 2023-2024 school year.
28.2% of High Needs Students were chronically absent during the 2023-2024 school year
High Needs
Students that fall into this category are identified as at least one of the following:
- Economically Disadvantaged
- English Learners
- Student w/ Disabilities