The Northeast Campus treated 330 students to popcorn parties Friday as a reward for not missing a day of school during the first six weeks of classes. The goal of The Varnett Public School and each of its campuses is to achieve at least a 98 percent attendance rate.
The campus students also received a pizza coupon and a certificate for their perfect attendance record.
On Monday, Southwest Pre-K will recognize its perfect-attendance students. The 10 a.m. ceremony will feature the appearance of the cow from Chick-fil-A, a new community partner and sponsor. Southwest Campus on Monday will also honor its students who haven't missed classroom time.
Districts, schools and communities across the country have been putting up banners, holding rallies with drum corps, throwing out the first pitch and more throughout September to show support for boosting student attendance, reports The Attendance Awareness Campaign.
The attendance rate is important because students are more likely to succeed in academics when they attend school consistently, according to GreatSchools, a nonprofit, parent-support organization.
"It’s difficult for the teacher and the class to build their skills and progress if a large number of students are frequently absent," the organization states. "In addition to falling behind in academics, students who are not in school on a regular basis are more likely to get into trouble with the law and cause problems in their communities."
Congratulations to all students - and their parents - who are coming to school every day. Keep up the good work!