North Las Vegas schools tackle absenteeism with innovative grants
September 18, 2024 | North Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada
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In a recent meeting of the North Las Vegas City Council, officials highlighted the successful outcomes of the city's educational micro grant program aimed at improving student achievement and addressing chronic absenteeism in local schools. Ingrid Johnson, the City of North Las Vegas Education Initiatives Manager, and Wilson Ramos, Director of Community Services and Engagement, presented the results from the 2023-2024 school year, showcasing the transformative impact of the grants on students and families.
The micro grants, which offered $5,000 for teachers and $10,000 for administrators, were designed to tackle issues such as chronic absenteeism, teacher recruitment, and family engagement, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 50 applications were received, with funds distributed in December to support various innovative projects across public and charter schools.
A significant focus of the grant projects was on reducing chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. This issue disproportionately affects low-income students and students of color. Schools implemented various attendance incentives, including family stores that provided essential household items in exchange for student attendance. For instance, HP Fitzgerald Elementary School reported a 71% increase in attendance among participants of its Falcon Family Store initiative, which contributed to a consistent decrease in overall absenteeism.
Other notable projects included the installation of a book vending machine at Freedom Classical Academy, which not only incentivized attendance but also aimed to improve literacy rates among students. Additionally, Bridger Middle School hosted a literacy night that attracted over 2,000 family members, fostering community engagement and support for student learning.
The council also announced that the application period for the next round of micro grants will run from September 10 to October 10, inviting schools across North Las Vegas to apply for funding to continue these impactful initiatives. The program, now entering its third year, has garnered positive feedback from educators and community members alike, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in enhancing educational outcomes for students in the region.
The micro grants, which offered $5,000 for teachers and $10,000 for administrators, were designed to tackle issues such as chronic absenteeism, teacher recruitment, and family engagement, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 50 applications were received, with funds distributed in December to support various innovative projects across public and charter schools.
A significant focus of the grant projects was on reducing chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. This issue disproportionately affects low-income students and students of color. Schools implemented various attendance incentives, including family stores that provided essential household items in exchange for student attendance. For instance, HP Fitzgerald Elementary School reported a 71% increase in attendance among participants of its Falcon Family Store initiative, which contributed to a consistent decrease in overall absenteeism.
Other notable projects included the installation of a book vending machine at Freedom Classical Academy, which not only incentivized attendance but also aimed to improve literacy rates among students. Additionally, Bridger Middle School hosted a literacy night that attracted over 2,000 family members, fostering community engagement and support for student learning.
The council also announced that the application period for the next round of micro grants will run from September 10 to October 10, inviting schools across North Las Vegas to apply for funding to continue these impactful initiatives. The program, now entering its third year, has garnered positive feedback from educators and community members alike, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in enhancing educational outcomes for students in the region.
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