By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
The Alliance City Council this week at the Alliance City Council meeting that September is School Attendance Month and encourages all citizens to encourage students to attend school regularly.
The proclamation defines Chronic absence as missing 10% of the academic year - has more than doubled since the start of the pandemic, from 8 million to an estimated 16 million students nationwide. Absenteeism is especially high among students and families that were most adversely impacted by the pandemic.
Research shows that starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, chronic absence can leave third graders unable to read proficiently, sixth graders struggling with coursework, and high school students off track for graduation.
The Proclamation states that Chronic absence can be significantly reduced, and engagement increased when city leaders, schools, families, and community partners work together to monitor data, nurture belonging in school, and promote regular attendance and routines thus Reducing absence results in: Stronger Economy, Better Schools, and Safer Communities.