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Southside principal credits staff, home visits and incentives for low chronic absenteeism amid poverty challenges
Summary
Southside Principal Gary Estep told the McDowell County Board that 85.16% of his students are economically disadvantaged, described recovery from a flood that cost 6.5 instructional weeks, and outlined a 'THRIVE' plan and daily outreach that the school says produced low chronic absenteeism rates.
Gary Estep, principal of Southside Elementary, framed his address by asking board members to approach the school's data with empathy, noting that the presentation pulls from the district strategic plan and state data.
"I want you to come into it to think about what our students face every day," Estep said, and he cited a figure of 85.16% of students labeled economically disadvantaged — about 10% above the county average and more than 30% above the state average. Estep also described a February flood that removed roughly 6.5 weeks of instruction and said staff had to accelerate recovery efforts.
Estep outlined a THRIVE framework (teacher effectiveness; home involvement; interventions; improvement; values/behavior; engagement/attendance; safety) and said staff make daily contact with families. He described a menu of incentives — monthly surprise events, 80% attendance thresholds for rewards, home visits for students missing more than five days — and a merit referral system tied to a 'fun room' funded by grants and donations.
LSIC chair Kelsey Johnson and other parents described volunteer and fundraising plans to boost engagement, including drive‑in movie nights, spirit wear and photography sessions. Estep and Johnson also raised safety and infrastructure concerns (playground fencing and construction zones) as barriers to full participation.
