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District launches “I am here” attendance campaign to address chronic absenteeism
Summary
Board heard a district branding and communications campaign aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism. Tactics include email signature graphics, building posters, principal newsletters, and parent-facing checklists that distinguish illness from avoidable absences.
District leaders presented a new attendance campaign, titled "I am here — Building strong connections," designed to reduce chronic absenteeism across schools.
The staff presenter said the campaign will use low-cost, high-frequency communications: staff email signature graphics, large outdoor-style posters for arrival and dismissal areas, principal newsletters and social media. The materials include student-focused graphics ("I am here — making the shot") and a parent-facing checklist to help families decide when children should stay home for illness and when to attend.
The presenter described producing posters and printable newsletters in-district to limit costs and said the first rollout will appear to staff when they return in the fall. Board members suggested using the slogan to reinforce students’ sense of belonging and recommended evaluating parent feedback on whether the checklist is clear about when children must stay home.
What it means: District staff framed the campaign as part of a broader strategy linking attendance, adult relationships and academic outcomes. The materials are intended to be positive and celebratory rather than punitive and to support family decision-making about illness and planned absences.
Next steps: Staff said they would distribute signature instructions to board members who wish to use the graphic, circulate posters and consider a sponsor to fund refrigerator-magnet versions of the home checklist. The district will also repeat a parental survey, which previously helped shape messaging.
