The South Carolina Senate convened on May 1, 2025, to address several key issues, with a focus on student attendance and parental responsibility in education. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the impact of absenteeism on students, particularly those in their senior year of high school.

One senator raised concerns about the implications of students missing school days, emphasizing the importance of parental guidance and supervision in addressing this issue. The senator expressed interest in understanding the feedback from parents regarding their children's attendance and the responsibilities that fall on them.

In response to the attendance concerns, the Education Oversight Committee (EOC) proposed a public awareness campaign aimed at fostering a supportive school environment. The campaign would include simple yet effective strategies, such as ensuring that students feel valued when they return to school after an absence. One suggestion highlighted was to greet returning students with messages like "I missed you," to reinforce their importance within the school community.

The meeting continued with additional comments from other senators, including Mr. Tippel and Mr. House, who contributed to the dialogue on enhancing student engagement and attendance.

Overall, the discussions underscored a commitment to improving student attendance through community and parental involvement, as well as creating a welcoming atmosphere in schools. The Senate plans to follow up on these initiatives to ensure that students feel seen and supported in their educational journeys.