Attendance – Every Day Counts
At the Ames Community School District, we believe that every student’s journey to success begins with consistent attendance. We are excited to introduce our comprehensive attendance initiative, Every Day Counts – Ames is me, a collaborative effort between students, parents, educators, and the community to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
Our Goal: Empowering Success Through Attendance
Our goal is simple yet profound: to empower every student with the tools they need to achieve their full potential by attending school regularly. We recognize that attendance is the cornerstone of academic achievement, and by promoting regular attendance, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for each and every student.
Key Features of Our Attendance Initiative
Addressing Chronic Absence: Chronic absence is defined as missing 10% or more days in one school year. This statistic is often masked by a seemingly high average daily attendance (ADA) rate. In the Ames CSD, our ADA during the 2022-2023 school year was 92%. While that may seem like a high number, on any given day, upwards of 400 students were absent from our schools.
Call To Action: We want the ADA in our schools to be 95%, meaning students miss at most eight school days throughout the year. The importance and impact of daily attendance are far-reaching. Low attendance is a symptom of a deeper student need. Showing up ready to learn affects a student’s academic success and connectedness to school, starting as early as kindergarten and continuing through high school. Chronic absenteeism can lead to significant learning challenges for students.
We need more than the District to solve our attendance challenges. Ensuring students arrive on time and attend school throughout the day is everyone’s responsibility. We must work together to ensure schools have all the necessary components so students are supported and motivated to attend, connect, and learn.
- Engaging Student Outreach: We believe that education is a shared responsibility. Through engaging and motivational campaigns, we inspire students to understand the value of attendance and its direct impact on their academic growth.
- Parent and Guardian Partnership: We understand that parents and guardians play a pivotal role in ensuring their child’s consistent attendance. Our initiative includes regular communication and resources that empower families to support their child’s educational journey.
- Teacher Support: Our dedicated educators are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment. They provide personalized support to students facing attendance challenges and celebrate achievements to foster a sense of belonging and accomplishment.
- Community Collaboration: Our Attendance Initiative extends beyond the classroom. We collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, and leaders to create a supportive network that reinforces the importance of attendance and provides additional resources to families in need.
- Data-Driven Approach: We track attendance data meticulously to identify trends and patterns. This allows us to proactively intervene and provide targeted support where it’s needed most, ensuring that no student falls through the cracks.
Join Us in Inspiring Change
The success of our attendance initiative relies on the collective efforts of students, parents, educators, and the community. By joining us in this initiative, you are contributing to a brighter future for our students and the community at large.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s inspire change, encourage attendance, and cultivate a generation of motivated, confident, and successful individuals. Ames is me.
Stay Connected
Stay updated on the latest news and events related to our Attendance Initiative by following our website and social media channels. For specific questions, reach out to your building principal. Thank you for your commitment to education, attendance, and the future of our students!