In recent years, student attendance rates have shown a downward trend, leaving consequences for both the students and the school. The origin of these absences cannot be narrowed down to one, but may include issues regarding transportation, increased illness, online schooling, laziness or burn out.
Firstly, school funding is based on average daily attendance (ADA), so student absences are a direct reflection of the amount of funding the school receives. In a hypothetical example, if the school receives a budget of $100 and they have a 90% attendance rate, they will receive $90. Each and every student can leave a substantial impact on the school’s funding.
“That money helps us fund all the things at the school so with attendance rates down, we don’t get that money and then we don’t have as much to give you guys,” said Attendance Director Kim Duffy.
Just this year, absences amounted to 62,289 excused absences, 7,033 unexcused absences and 10,457 truancies.
Since pre-COVID years, attendance has shown a downwards trend, which is expected to continue. In 2019, the ADA was at 95.40% with 128.25 daily absences and in 2023 it was at 94.32% with 156.43 daily absences. Currently in the, and currently in the 2024-2025 school year the ADA sits at 93.84% with 162.70 daily absences. Our goal is to reach 97% ADA, and we can make our way towards this goal if we can pinpoint why students are absent and aid them.
This year there was a notable influx of students moving to online learning or attending charter schools, as well as the common flu that seemed to be more severe. Along with these factors, students who live far from the school may not have a vehicle or convenience busing options.
“Trying to get to the root of what it is allows us to better assess how we can help that kid because at the school we have different modes of intervention we can use to help students. So once we can pinpoint what it is, then we can act on it properly” said Principal Cina Abedzadeh.
According to an article from The Regulatory Review, there’s a growing trend in students attending schools far from where they live whether it is for the schools merit or unique opportunities, and school transportation policies may not be keeping up with the pace of their needs. Students in the same neighborhood are likely to need different bussing options, some of which may be unavailable.
Especially after the COVID 19 pandemic, teachers are making class materials accessible online for students convenience. However, this may lead students to believe that they can simply complete the school work from home, but this deprives them of valuable interactions. Being present in class, they are able to utilize their resources including insightful discussions with their peers and hands-on learning with their teachers, ultimately setting them up for future success.
Additionally, senior ditch days are adding to the pile of absences. Usually there’s only one a year but students have organized several ditch days throughout the year, raising confusion among staff members. In hopes of combating these ditch days and motivating attendance, the school started “March Madness” where every Monday the class with the highest attendance rate is awarded a donut party.
“I know kids don’t want to go to school all the time, but as parents, if they could help us out and just have their kids go to school. Try not to enable them and call them out when they’re not really sick, have them go to school, it’s really important for them,” said Abedzadeh.
If you, your family, or a friend is experiencing difficulties affecting their attendance, it’s important to express these concerns to school officials and find a solution. SJHHS has a variety of resources including the wellness center and counselors to help families and ensure that families get the assistance they need to make school accessible to everyone.
We strongly encourage you to help our school community thrive, and reach our goal of a 97% attendance rate in the coming years. While also making the most of your academic experience, through the engaging hands-on learning that’ll nurture your growth for future success.
