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Hampshire County Schools launches 'Every Day Counts' attendance push and highlights drop in students identified as homeless
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Summary
The board heard a presentation on a new district attendance campaign and student support work; the director of student support services said McKinney‑Vento eligible students identified in county data fell from about 40.54% to 27.27% and described expanded supports and community partnerships.
Emily Bree, director of student support services and child nutrition, told the board the district has launched an "Every Day Counts" attendance initiative focused on reducing missed instruction days and helping families plan appointments outside school days.
Bree said the state modified attendance policy in July 2024 to emphasize total days missed and that the district has developed family materials, QR codes and interventions to help parents reduce avoidable absences. She singled out high school attendance as a continuing challenge and said schools are pursuing incentives including parking‑pass and prom eligibility linked to attendance.
On homelessness, Bree described the district's McKinney‑Vento (secure) program and credited student success coaches and partner organizations with a substantial reduction in identified students: "students experiencing homelessness decreased from 40.54 percent to 27.27 percent," she said, citing balanced scorecard numbers provided by the state department. Bree outlined direct supports — clothing closets, hygiene supplies and transportation assistance such as DMV trips — and noted the Lifted Hands Food Pantry and local salons have donated supplies and services to help students and families.
Board members asked clarifying questions about definitions (for example, "doubled up" housing) and about how community partners are coordinated. Bree said the district will continue tracking attendance and subgroup data and work with counselors and community organizations to reduce barriers to daily attendance.
The superintendent and board praised staff and volunteers for the partnership work and the program's outreach.
