Inside the bustling halls of the Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District, educators are rallying around a renewed commitment to improving student attendance. During a recent Board of Education meeting, school leaders highlighted their ongoing efforts to tackle chronic absenteeism, a challenge that has persisted since the pandemic.

The meeting revealed that last year’s data led to the establishment of three key goals, one of which focuses specifically on attendance. This goal aligns with the district-wide initiative aimed at decreasing chronic absenteeism and increasing daily attendance rates. To support this mission, the district has reintroduced an attendance team, a strategy that had been effective prior to the pandemic.

The attendance team is tasked with conducting a thorough analysis of student attendance data, identifying trends, and implementing targeted support strategies. This approach utilizes a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), which categorizes interventions into three tiers. The first tier aims to benefit all students, while the second and third tiers provide more specialized support for smaller groups, addressing the needs of those who may require additional assistance.

As the district continues to refine its strategies, the focus remains clear: fostering an environment where every student feels encouraged to attend school regularly. The commitment to improving attendance not only reflects a dedication to academic success but also underscores the importance of community and connection in the educational journey. With these initiatives in place, the district is poised to make significant strides in enhancing student engagement and attendance in the coming year.