As part of their ongoing effort to prioritize school attendance, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System will host the second Attendance Matters attendance sweep on Friday, September 20.  This effort aims to address the critical issue of chronic absenteeism by raising awareness, engaging stakeholders, and implementing strategies to ensure every student attends school regularly. 

Chronic absenteeism poses a significant barrier to academic achievement and personal growth for students across Chatham County.  According to recent research, absenteeism not only hampers academic progress but also increases the likelihood of students dropping out of school, thus limiting their future opportunities. Last year 52% of SCCPSS students missed 10% or more of school days.  When students are not in school, they miss out on vital instruction, as well as socialization, nutrition, and emotional well-being support.  

"We take student achievement very seriously and student achievement is tied directly to attendance ," said Dr. Quentina Miller-Fields, Director of the Student Service Center. "We believe that every day a student misses school is a missed opportunity for learning and personal development." 

The Attendance Sweep will pair school social workers with school resource officers to visit students who have missed school to find out why they have been absent and if there are any barriers that could be mitigated by district resources.    

The District invites stakeholders from all sectors to join hands in combating absenteeism and creating a culture of attendance and accountability within our schools and communities. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and pave the way for a brighter future.

RECAP:

WHAT: Attendance Matters! Attendance sweep  

WHEN: Friday, September 20, at 8:00 a.m.

WHERE: Hubert Middle School Media Center, 768 Grant Street