Woodrow Wilson highlights family-engagement events as attendance climbs

Dan Moore, principal of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, told the Binghamton City School District Board of Education on March 18 that the school’s series of family-engagement events aims to boost academics, behavior and attendance.

The school started the year with a “trunk-or-treat” that drew more than 200 participants, Moore said. Woodrow Wilson’s programming this school year has also included a Partners program offered twice weekly (3 p.m. Mondays and 5 p.m. Wednesdays), a family swim night at the high school, a math night for families, a spring “glow dance” and a cultural night that spotlights the school’s more than 50 English-language‑learner students from more than 20 countries.

Moore said the Partners program had about 200 registrations this year (some registrations were for siblings) and the spring glow dance drew more than 150 families. He credited the school’s alumni association — described in the presentation as one of the oldest elementary alumni associations in the U.S. — and community volunteers, including students from Binghamton University, for supporting events.

The school reported daily attendance above 90% at midyear and a chronic absenteeism rate of about 40% so far this year; the school’s stated goal is 37.3% chronic absenteeism. Moore also reported 11 total discipline referrals for the year and credited staff for strengthening social-emotional supports and family connections.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the attendance work and the presenters said scheduling events at different times — afternoons and evenings — has increased family participation.

Moore and Assistant Principal Laura Hansborough answered board questions and thanked staff and community partners for their work.

The presentation was given during the board’s monthly school recognition segment and was followed by routine business on the agenda.