When you think about the biggest risks of students not making it to graduation, does attendance come to mind? If not, it certainly should. Last year, 1 in 4 students were identified as chronically absent, meaning they missed at least 10% of school days. So, what is behind these absences? While there are various reasons, the most common include the need to care for younger siblings, issues with housing and transportation, and simply the lack of motivation to attend school.
How Communities In Schools of Jacksonville is Boosting Attendance
Showing Up
The greatest advantage of CIS Jax—and the inspiration behind its name—is the placement of professionals directly within schools. This setup enables students to build meaningful relationships with the staff, fostering trust and a genuine sense of belonging. CIS Jax Site Coordinator, Tiffany Lax believes this helps students feel valued and supported, knowing they have a dedicated team to help them with their needs.
“Showing up rain or shine, bad day or not, shows my kids that not only do I care about them and enjoy seeing their faces and hearing their thoughts, but it also teaches them resiliency. Every day may not show up sunshine, but we still must show up,” she said.
Providing Essentials
Success starts with having access to necessities. While CIS Jax provides standard essentials like school supplies, hygiene products, backpacks, and hot meals, they also address often-overlooked needs. In Florida, where rainy mornings are frequent, many students who walk to school may choose to stay home. To combat this, CIS Jax is distributing thousands of durable ponchos to students across Duval County, ensuring they can attend school regardless of the weather.
Rewarding with Incentives
Incentives are a game-changer for boosting attendance, and CIS Jax knows how to use them effectively. Their high school summer camps are packed with workforce development opportunities, thrilling field trips, and daily meals—all at no cost. Plus, students who attend at least 85 percent of the program earn cash stipends, making these camps a compelling and constructive alternative during summer. CIS Jax also offers stipends in their Afterschool Programs, designed to build essential skills and simulate real-world job experiences. For elementary and middle schoolers, regular attendance unlocks exciting enrichment activities like symphony, robotics clubs, and sports. It’s all about making learning rewarding and engaging!
September is Attendance Awareness Month, the perfect time to implement best practices. Here are a few ways you can minimize obstacles to attendance at home:
- Try to plan vacations and doctor visits outside of school hours whenever possible.
- Establish a nightly and morning routine. This may include laying clothes out the night before.
- Regularly discuss the importance of going to school and its impact on the future.
Remember, there will be a transition period when going back to school. However, consistency, compassion, and a partnership with CIS Jax can go a long way. If you’re still encountering attendance issues after a few weeks, please contact us here—we’re prepared to help you every step of the way!