At Almond Elementary School, located in the heart of the vibrant community it serves, a profound transformation is taking place. Over the past year, the school faced a daunting challenge - chronic absenteeism among its young scholars. With determination and a commitment to the scholars' well-being, a new attendance policy has been implemented, aiming to bring about significant positive change.
Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (equivalent to 18 days or more), had become a pressing concern. In particular, the kindergarten scholars faced an alarming absenteeism rate of over 55%. This was a wake-up call that could not be ignored. In response, the dedicated team at Almond Elementary School devised a comprehensive attendance strategy centered on supporting parents and motivating the scholars to prioritize their school attendance. The school firmly believes that regular attendance is the foundational pillar upon which a successful educational journey is built.
The motto, "Together We Rise," encapsulates the essence of the approach. The aim is for scholars to understand that their presence in school each day is not just important but crucial to their growth and development. This motto has become a rallying cry for the entire school community. The results of these efforts have been truly remarkable. In just a short period, a significant improvement in the school's attendance rates has been witnessed. For the month of August, Almond Elementary School proudly achieved the second-best attendance record in the entire district, a remarkable feat that would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of the staff.
Two individuals who deserve special recognition for their unwavering commitment to this cause are Claudia Monroy, the attendance clerk, and Patricia Nunez, the Community Liaison. These remarkable professionals have worked tirelessly and strategically to implement incentives for the scholars and to engage with parents, helping them understand the critical importance of regular school attendance. The school firmly believes that this newfound dedication to attendance will pave the way for the scholars' future success. By making attendance a top priority, Almond Elementary School is ensuring that each scholar has the opportunity to fully engage with their education, build strong foundations, and develop the skills necessary for a bright future.
As the school continues its journey towards academic excellence, it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for every scholar at Almond Elementary School. It is recognized that there is a long road ahead, but with the dedication of the staff, the support of the parents, and the enthusiasm of the scholars, the school is confident that it will reach even greater heights in the years to come. Almond Elementary School is not just a place of learning; it's a community where every individual matters, and attendance is a vital part of that equation. Together, the school community is shaping a brighter future for the scholars, one day at a time.