Reply to Absenteeism-reduction measures at Dranesville ES feel like misplaced student pressure

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]An article posted on the FCPS site lauds Dranesville Elementary for its chronic absenteeism-reduction measures. Some include a school counselor visiting each classroom for roll call, asking students if this is a "perfect attendance day?" Also, "Does anybody have a buddy missing today?"

[i]"Grade level attendance is displayed on a chart in the front office, where all students, staff, and school visitors can see it. Once a month, the marquis board in front of the school carries an attendance-themed message. The school newsletter, sent to parents each week, includes current stats on the Dranesville chronic absenteeism rate.

And before noon everyday, any grade with perfect attendance gets a shout-out over the school announcement system. A class with perfect attendance often gets a visit from Drake the Dragon, the school mascot. And every 10 days, students who have had perfect attendance during that time period, are entered in a raffle for prizes." [/i]

Some of these measures feel like they're targeting absent students to be shamed and pressured by classmates. A first-grader can't get themselves to school without help. They shouldn't fear that if they're not in class, their friends will blame them for not getting a mascot visit or prize. And classmates shouldn't be asked to monitor anyone.

https://www.fcps.edu/news/attendance-all-stars-dranesville-elementary-sees-14-point-drop-absenteeism-amid-flurry-efforts?utm_campaign+=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery[/quote]

Emails home, calls home, letters home do not work for some families. Social pressure seems to work, so go for it.

What other option do you see? Because we know that FCPS sends out lots of emails about attendence. I have friends who have received letters about their children missing more then 10 days of school, the family took two vacations right after vacations because it was less expensive after breaks, so we know that the schools send letters. Parents get a call home if their kid is out of school and not reported as being absent. Yet some schools have a 20% absenteeism rate. Dranesville dropped that rate with social pressure. Who knows if it is a long term solution but you are complaining that the school tried something that did work. They emphasized in the school classroom the importance of attending and the kids seemed to respond.

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