CCSD celebrates improved student attendance

CCSD celebrates improved student attendance

Posted at 13:07h in Clark County School District, Community, Press Release, Students by Illiana Banuelos

Every Day Matters contributes to an approximate 9 percentage point reduction in chronic absenteeism

LAS VEGAS–The Clark County School District (CCSD) proudly announces continuing improvements in student attendance rates. Due to District and community-wide efforts, CCSD estimates an approximate nine percentage point reduction in chronic absenteeism over the last two years. 

“Student attendance is vital to academic success and we are thrilled to see our community embrace our efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism,” said CCSD Board of School Trustees President Evelyn Garcia Morales. “The Board thanks all of the employees and community members who have contributed to this success.”

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent or more of enrolled school days for any reason (excused or unexcused). Chronically absent students are less likely to succeed academically and more likely to drop out of school.

As part of the Every Day Matters campaign, CCSD Education Services Division employees conducted over 38,000 home visits to check on students with excessive absences. Employees also visited more than 6,000 homes over the summer to reconnect with families and address needs ahead of the 2024-2025 school year. 

Through the Every Day Matters campaign and community initiatives, CCSD noted a reduction in chronic absenteeism rates across all student groups compared to 2022-2023. Those improvements include:

  • Approximately 8 percentage point reduction for American Indian/Alaskan Native students
  • Approximately 6 percentage point reduction for Hispanic students
  • Approximately 6 percentage point reduction for African American students 
  • Approximately 6 percentage point reduction for English Language Learners and 
  • Approximately 6 percentage point reduction for students eligible for special education.

“I am grateful for the dedicated efforts of our attendance officers, support professionals, licensed professionals, and administrators who have contributed efforts to keep students engaged in school,” said CCSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Brenda Larsen-Mitchell. “Students are responding positively to our efforts and making tremendous progress toward improved attendance. With the continued support of the entire community, we will build on the momentum for even better results.”

Additionally, a targeted initiative from the City of Las Vegas resulted in a ten-plus percentage point reduction in chronic absenteeism at Oran K. Gragson and Sunrise Acres Elementary Schools between 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The City of Las Vegas is supporting both schools for the 2024-2025 school year as well.

Local municipalities are contributing to the effort to reduce chronic absenteeism through various programs. The District is grateful for their partnership and support. 

Go to Grow Coalition 

  • The community coalition is composed of representatives from CCSD, local education agencies, mental and physical health providers, wrap-around service providers, and local government agencies.
  • Four key working groups were created to address identified barriers to school attendance: Schools, Housing and Transportation, Physical and Mental Health, and Families and Youth.

Clark County

  • The Harbor provides meaningful services to improve connectedness to the community through academic achievement, reducing truancy and providing a safe place for guidance.
  • Truancy Prevention Outreach Program (TPOP) collaborates with youth, families, schools, and community partners to develop a comprehensive plan to identify, address, and eliminate the root causes of chronic absenteeism.

City of Las Vegas 

  • ReInvent Schools Las Vegas (RSLV), in partnership with AmeriCorps, provides support in the area of chronic absenteeism to 15 RSLV sites. AmeriCorps members are assigned to each site and assist with each school’s individualized plan to decrease chronic absenteeism. 
  • City of Las Vegas Ward 3 Councilwoman Olivia Diaz and Ward 6 Councilwoman Nancy Brune allocated $50,000 to combat chronic absenteeism at Oran K. Gragson Elementary School and Sunrise Acres Elementary School. The initiative was designed to engage both students and parents/guardians, as well as teachers, utilizing a multi-faceted approach, including personalized outreach to families and incentives for improved attendance for students, teachers, and parents.

City of Henderson

  • Principals of Henderson schools participated in Henderson Schools Summit workshops with Attendanceworks on strategies to combat chronic absenteeism.
  • The City of Henderson continues discussions with school principals focused on chronic absenteeism and connecting families with resources.

City of North Las Vegas

  • The Mayor and City Council funded $400,000 in micro-grants over the past two years, many of which addressed chronic absenteeism.
  • North Las Vegas Police Department’s Programs, which involve internal and external partnerships, play a vital role in motivating students to consistently improve attendance, academic achievement, family and community engagement, and positive behaviors.

To learn more about Every Day Matters and access resources, visit everyday.ccsd.net.