Leverett School implements attendance strategy to improve student presence and engagement

In the heart of Fayetteville, the Leverett Elementary School community is buzzing with enthusiasm as educators and administrators gather to discuss strategies for improving student attendance and academic performance. During the recent Fayetteville School District Board Meeting on March 19, 2025, the focus was on fostering a culture of attendance and addressing the barriers that keep students from the classroom.

A key highlight of the meeting was the proactive approach to attendance management. School officials emphasized the importance of clear communication with parents regarding attendance policies. They outlined a structured plan that includes phone calls and letters after three unexcused absences, leading to face-to-face meetings after five unexcused absences. These meetings, described as positive and relationship-building, aim to uncover the underlying issues affecting student attendance. "We learn more about our families and our students and we learn more about what these barriers are that are causing our students to be absent," one administrator noted, highlighting the collaborative effort to troubleshoot attendance challenges.

The school has also made attendance a central part of its culture, with daily discussions and visible reminders throughout the building. A bulletin board showcases weekly attendance statistics, fostering a sense of accountability and pride among students and staff. The goal is ambitious: to maintain 95% attendance or higher. The community's engagement is evident, with students even playfully participating in attendance challenges, such as the promise of a fun reward for achieving high attendance rates.

In addition to attendance, the meeting addressed academic performance through the presentation of interim assessment data. The district has transitioned to a new testing system, which aims to provide a clearer picture of student progress. Educators are now focusing on a "magic number" of 1060, which represents proficiency across all grade levels. This new approach allows teachers to track growth more effectively and encourages students to meet or exceed their previous year's performance.

As the meeting concluded, the excitement was palpable. The collaborative efforts between educators, families, and the community are paving the way for a brighter future for Leverett Elementary students. With a strong emphasis on attendance and academic achievement, the school is not just preparing students for tests but instilling lifelong habits that will serve them well beyond the classroom. The community looks forward to seeing the positive impacts of these initiatives in the months to come.