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Middle/high school presentation: Eden staff highlight attendance gains, target chronic absenteeism with outreach and supports
Summary
Jeff Cervone presented data showing a 95% attendance rate for grades 6–12, described three students classified as chronically absent, and outlined targeted supports — home visits, attendance contracts, social worker referrals and "Just Say Hello" events — to improve belonging and attendance.
Jeff Cervone, presenting on behalf of Eden Middle and High School, told the board the district "is currently maintaining a 95% attendance rate between grades 6 through 12," and noted that three students are classified as chronically absent under the district definition (10% of the school year, about 18 days).
Cervone reviewed a student survey of 655 pupils that linked extracurricular involvement to belonging: "Over 465 students, 71% of our student body are involved in something we offer at Eden Middle and High School." He described a mix of tactics to address absenteeism, including root-cause identification (health, mental health, transportation, family issues), targeted supports such as social worker and counselor referrals, more than 10 home visits to families, daily follow-up calls, and formal attendance contracts signed by families and staff.
Cervone also outlined climate-building programs intended to boost belonging and engagement, including a new "Just Say Hello" initiative with monthly student–staff activities (cider-and-donuts, beaded-bracelet and bookmark events) and a student-of-the-month recognition. He said learning-lab sessions are being used to expand the academic-enrichment component of AEP (academic probation) so students can meet eligibility for extracurriculars while receiving structured help.
Board members asked clarifying questions about how AEP works in practice and when county services are engaged. One board member asked whether Erie County Child and Family Services intervenes via CPS; Cervone replied he was "not sure the exact details" but confirmed that the district calls that agency when escalation is needed. The board discussed options to broaden AEP staffing and to integrate MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) at the secondary level.
Next steps identified in the meeting included staff follow-up to analyze survey results in more depth, continued home engagement, and consideration of budgeting for expanded AEP teacher coverage during upcoming budget planning.
