“I’m So Happy You’re Here”: Students Find Belonging Through Regular School Attendance

“I’m so happy you’re here.”

The words are bright and welcoming and for three elementary students, it felt especially meaningful when they met their goal of being at school all week.

For some, that might sound small. But for many children and families, consistent attendance takes extra planning, encouragement and determination. That’s why this moment matters.

These students began taking the initiative to seek out their daily check-in each morning. They arrived with smiles and pride. They shared stories about what they were learning and the fun moments they experienced with family. Their confidence was visible. There was a noticeable sense of ownership and effort, not because they had to be at school, but because they wanted to be.

Through a personalized attendance check-in plan, families partner with school staff to set meaningful goals for students. This collaborative approach reflects our Climbing Together strategic plan, and our efforts to bridge shared responsibility for attendance between schools and families.

Students track their progress, celebrate small milestones, and receive consistent encouragement along the way from home and school. Daily high fives, positive postcards home, and weekly recognition reinforces a powerful message: your presence matters.

One student, Emmalee, shared what coming to school means to her:
“Now that I come to school, I don’t feel so alone. I like playing with friends. I didn’t used to like PE and now I do. I even like doing three-digit addition.”

Her words capture that school becomes more than a place to attend; it becomes a place to connect, grow and feel valued.

When students feel welcomed, supported and encouraged, they are more likely to keep trying. And sometimes, one successful week becomes the momentum needed for many more.

Students participating in this attendance support program continue to show steady improvement, with attendance increasing approximately 1–2% week over week according to recent school data.