Adams County proclaims September 2025 Student Attendance Matters Month; students urge supports to reduce chronic absenteeism

The Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday proclaimed September 2025 as Student Attendance Matters Month in Adams County and heard from students, a parent and county staff about barriers to regular school attendance and community strategies to support students.

McKenna Hines, administrator for the Adams County Collaborative Management Program, told commissioners the county joined a statewide campaign to raise awareness about chronic absenteeism and highlighted partnerships among schools, families and community organizations to remove barriers to attendance.

Students from Adams County schools told commissioners that attendance affects more than grades. "Did you know that missing just 2 days of school a month can lower your chances of graduating?" said one student, noting attendance is a major predictor of graduation and that supports such as mental-health services, transportation and family communication can help students stay in school.

A parent who spoke during the proclamation said work schedules, health and transportation can make consistent attendance difficult and asked for open communication and resources between families and schools. Commissioners thanked the students and staff, and several praised the county's collaborative approach. The proclamation was read by Commissioner Emma Pinter and the board signed the document.

The county plans to continue outreach and partnership work through the Collaborative Management Program to identify early signs of chronic absenteeism and connect students and families to resources.

Notes: The proclamation emphasizes prevention and early intervention; no formal funding decision was recorded during the proclamation segment.