• Build relationships with students and families.

• Make students and their families feel welcome. Greet them when they arrive.

• Let students know when they are not in school, they are missed. Talk to them about why they were gone, and if there is anything you or the school can do to help.

• When a student is absent, immediately talk to a family member by personal phone call during the day or evening.

• Create an environment of mutual respect in which students are comfortable speaking up.

• Provide high expectations for all students. Help them focus on their strengths, and challenge all children to work to their full potential.

• Create learning opportunities for students.

• Incorporate subjects, such as student behavior, rights and responsibilities into the curriculum.

• Give responsible roles to "difficult" students to redirect their energies in positive ways and provide different forums for students to identify ways to increase attendance.

• Re-engage students through mentoring.

• Check with school administration when students have excessive absences.

Be alert and observe types of attendance problems:

• Monday and Friday absences

• Observe attendance patterns of siblings

• Limit hall passes and period absences

• Begin plugging "truancy loopholes:

  • Arriving late, picking up "late card" and not reporting to class

  • Reporting to office without notifying anyone and hanging out 2-3 periods

  • Constantly going to nurse, counselor, locker, etc.

  • Claiming they have band, music, pep squad, athletics, etc.