Did you know the district has partnered with the Cleveland Browns Foundation to be a part of the statewide “Stay in the Game! Keep Learning. Every Day.” network? This is a statewide attendance initiative supported by several important partners, including the Ohio Department of Education. School districts across the state can take part in these efforts to improve attendance for all Ohio students.

“Stay in the Game” seeks to reduce chronic student absence, which is the same goal of the DPS “Be Present for a Better Future” attendance campaign. “Chronic absence” refers to missing 10% (about 18 days) or more of the school year for any reason, including excused absences. Studies have shown that chronically absent students do not achieve as much as students who attend school every day, which is why DPS began its attendance campaign last year.

The “Be Present for a Better Future” campaign will continue, but with this new partnership, the district will be able to provide more attendance resources for families and students. There will also be new incentives and giveaways for students with good and improved attendance this year. Incentives might include autographed Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew items, T-shirts, posters and many other surprises!

It is crucial that students attend school every day, even in a virtual environment. In Ohio, students who miss too much school are 65% less likely to be good readers by third grade and are 89% less likely to graduate high school on time. Students at all grade levels — even preschool — are negatively affected by missing too much school.

It is up to all of us to improve attendance and help students achieve. Please continue to encourage your student to log in and learn every day. Although virtual learning is not ideal for some, it is still real school and it will impact the future of our students.

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Please stay safe and healthy, and remember, Be Present for a Better Future!