Regular school attendance is the cornerstone of a successful education. Students who consistently attend school are more likely to achieve academic excellence, develop strong social skills, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. By being present in the classroom, students gain access to a world of knowledge, build meaningful connections with peers and teachers, and develop the confidence to reach their full potential.

Regular Student Attendance is Essential for Student Success and is a top priority for the Hawai‘i State Department of Education

The Department and dedicated educators are making a difference with targeted interventions, data-driven approaches, positive engagement, creative solutions, and strategic partnerships.

HMTSS in Action: Hawai‘i's Multi-Tiered System of Support is actively identifying and supporting students at-risk of not meeting regular attendance indicators through data strategies and interventions.

Positive School Climate: Positive Behavior Support and Restorative Practices are being implemented to create welcoming, inclusive school environments that encourage regular attendance.

Language and Cultural Bridge: Bilingual Bicultural School Home Assistants are directly engaging families in culturally relevant conversations about the importance of consistent school attendance.

Housing & Education: The Education for Homeless Children and Youth program is providing dedicated support and resources to attendance barriers faced by students experiencing homelessness. 

Well-being: ‘Here to Help’ supports attendance by equipping students with essential mental health literacy and provides accessible tools and support from trained staff. 

Student Health: The Student Health Section is expanding access to healthcare and creating a healthier school environment to address health issues impacting student attendance. 

How You Can Help

Regular school attendance is a cornerstone of a thriving community. Businesses depend on reliable workforces, governments on engaged citizens, and communities on active participants. Success requires a collective effort from everyone - schools, families, community groups, cultural leaders, faith-based organizations businesses, and government agencies. 

We are calling on providers across the state to support our students and promote good attendance! We encourage providers to connect with local school in their area. Providers offering statewide attendance incentives and supports are encouraged to complete the form linked below:

What commitment can you make to support regular attendance?

Community:

• Spread awareness about the critical importance of regular attendance whenever and however you can and incorporate Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow into your work.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations to provide resources and support for families.

School:

• Explain the Impact: Clearly communicate how absences affect a child's learning, grades, and overall academic progress.
• Parent Engagement: Organize workshops or meetings to educate parents about the importance of attendance.
• HMTSS: Identify students at risk of chronic absenteeism and provide targeted multi tierd system of support.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Use attendance data to inform interventions and track progress.
• Communication: Use multiple channels to communicate with parents (phone calls, emails, newsletters).
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Create a positive school climate and improve student behavior.
• Mentorship and Counseling: Offer support for students facing academic, social, or emotional challenges.
  

• Set Clear Expectations: Establish a family expectation that school attendance is a priority, similar to other important commitments.
• Establish Routines: Create a consistent bedtime routine to ensure children are well-rested for school and prepare school supplies and outfits the night before to reduce morning stress.
• Open Communication: Maintain regular contact with teachers and school administrators. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you're facing challenges that impact attendance.
• Manage Health Issues: Develop a plan with healthcare providers to manage chronic illnesses and minimize absences.
• Transportation: Ensure reliable transportation to and from school.
• Family Time: Schedule fun family activities on days when there is no school to make attendance more desirable.
• Set Goals: Help your child set attendance goals and track their progress.
• Encourage Responsibility: Discuss the consequences of missing school and the importance of being accountable.

Remember: Consistent and supportive communication with the school is key to addressing attendance issues effectively. If you're facing significant challenges, don't hesitate to seek additional support from school counselors, social workers, or community organizations.

Want to Learn More?

Check back often for updated attendance tips -- We'll continue to share valuable attendance information here!

• Through the Attendance Solutions Network, districts will receive access to a range of supports through a series of engagement events to address chronic absence and improve student engagement in their communities. Beginning with the Attendance Solutions Network webinar series this summer, followed by a peer-to-peer learning community and ongoing consultation through the 2024-25 academic year, district representatives will actively engage in the network, contributing to the peer-to-peer learning community, and participate in consultation.

• Attendance Works collaborates with schools, districts, states, communities and organizations to ensure that everyone recognizes that chronic absence is a serious issue that can be addressed using a positive, problem-solving approach grounded in an understanding of educational inequities.

• https://www.healthiergeneration.org/app/resources?resources_tags=chronic-absenteeism