During a recent meeting, officials from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading highlighted the critical importance of school attendance in fostering academic success among children in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has expanded to include Charlotte and DeSoto Counties, aiming to engage the community in supporting families and children.

The campaign, supported by a coalition of local organizations including United Way Suncoast and the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, has implemented various programs to combat chronic absenteeism. Attendance Works, a national think tank, has partnered with the campaign to promote strategies that ensure students do not miss more than 10% of the school year, as even two missed days a month can jeopardize a child's academic progress.

One of the key initiatives discussed was the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest, which encourages elementary students to express the importance of attendance through art. This year, 33 schools are participating, with winning posters set to be displayed and recognized at the Patterson Foundation.

In response to rising absenteeism rates post-pandemic, the campaign introduced the Motivating Improved Attendance (MIA) plan. This program focuses on identifying students who miss three or more days in the first 35 days of school and working with their families to address barriers to attendance. Schools will celebrate students who improve their attendance with a special event before Thanksgiving.

Additionally, the meeting recognized National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. The school district of Manatee County, which serves over 21,000 Hispanic students, celebrated the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the community. A proclamation was read, affirming the district's commitment to honoring this heritage and the positive impact of Hispanic Americans on society.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts of local organizations and the school district to enhance educational outcomes and celebrate cultural diversity within the community.