As the Republic School District and its students, families and employees settle into the routine of a new school year, the district is excited to announce a new effort related to attendance awareness.
The "Every Day Counts" campaign is a district wide, yearlong attendance awareness initiative, aimed at helping students, families and community members understand the importance of students being in school. Through "Every Day Counts," information, data and resources will be shared throughout the year on the district's website, social media pages and other communication platforms. Building-specific attendance goals and celebrations may also return, just as before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch the video below to hear from individuals across the district as they discuss the impact of regular attendance.
Why is the district starting an attendance awareness campaign?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the district has noticed a steady decline in attendance rates among all grade levels. This is not something that is only affecting Republic, but is a nationwide issue. The national chronic absenteeism rate has skyrocketed since the pandemic, from 16% in 2019 to an estimated 33% in 2022.
Proportional attendance rates for each grade level across the Republic School District have dropped from the 2018-2019 school year in comparison to the 2022-2023 school year. The largest was among 11th grade students, with a 9.85% drop from 2018-2019 to 2022-2023.
When students miss school, they are missing out on vital learning experiences, which support their academic and social-emotional development. To see more more data and details about the impact of missed learning on students' overall growth, visit republicschools.org/everydaycounts.
What resources are available?
The Republic School District understands that families may have additional challenges that serve as barriers in getting their students to school. Building principals will regularly connect with families through various communication methods in order to provide them with the resources and support they need for students to be successful at school and at home. We also have family resources, and contact information for our district's social workers, available here.
Other resources, including a calendar of "ideal dates" for families to schedule appointments or vacations, as well as a wellness checklist, are all available at republicschools.org/everydaycounts. More information will be added to the web page throughout the year as the district continues the "Every Day Counts" initiative.
The Republic School District looks forward to working with families and community members in an effort to encourage students to "be here" so they can "excel everywhere."
