In a recent meeting of the Manchester School District's Committee on Student Conduct, school officials discussed ongoing efforts to improve student attendance, highlighting both successes and challenges. The meeting, held on March 16, 2025, focused on strategies to engage students and enhance their commitment to attending school regularly.

Currently, 537 students are meeting the district's attendance goal of 90% or more, a figure that school officials celebrated as a positive outcome. However, there remains a significant group of 145 students who are falling short of this target. To address this issue, the attendance team is implementing targeted interventions for students who have been absent between 10 to 15 days this year. The goal is to prevent these students from exceeding the threshold of 17 or 18 absences, which would further jeopardize their attendance records.

The school has recognized the importance of individual student stories in attendance data. While the overall attendance rate has remained steady, officials are focusing on personalized approaches to encourage improvement among students who may not meet the 90% goal but show potential for growth. For instance, students who have missed a significant portion of the school year may benefit from strategies aimed at reaching a 70% attendance rate.

In an effort to foster a sense of community and competition, the school is launching an attendance challenge specifically for fifth graders. This initiative includes individual and team goals, with incentives for both personal attendance and collective achievements. The school aims to create an engaging environment that motivates students to attend regularly, especially as the weather improves and outdoor activities become more appealing.

The meeting also emphasized the success of the district's minority language (ML) students, with 73% meeting the attendance goal, surpassing the overall school target of 71%. This achievement reflects the district's commitment to equity and support for diverse student populations.

As the school year progresses, officials expressed gratitude for the dedication of teachers, counselors, and support staff who play a crucial role in managing attendance challenges. The collaborative efforts of the school community are seen as vital in helping students develop the habits necessary for consistent attendance, ultimately preparing them for future success.

Looking ahead, the district plans to continue its focus on attendance improvement strategies, recognizing the importance of each student's journey and the collective responsibility of the school community in fostering a supportive learning environment.