MJUSD effort leads to improved attendance

Did you know that with the district’s “COMMIT to 180 DAYS!” attendance improvement initiative, we have improved our attendance this year? Looking at the data for the end of March, compared to last year, we have improved districtwide chronic absenteeism from 30.4% in 2023 to 23.4% in 2024.

Chronic absenteeism is referred to as being absent more than 10% of the school year, which is 18 or more days out of the 180 school days per year. Research from familyleadership.org states that there are three key reasons why tackling chronic absenteeism is crucial:

– Academic impact: Chronic absenteeism isn’t just about missing a few days of school; it’s about missed opportunities for learning and growth. Research consistently shows that students who are frequently absent from school struggle academically. They fall behind their peers, leading to lower grades, reduced academic achievement, and ultimately, decreased chances of success in higher education and the workforce. By tackling chronic absenteeism, we can help ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and reach their full potential.

– Social and emotional well-being: Chronic absenteeism doesn’t just affect academic performance; it also takes a toll on students’ social and emotional well-being. When students are absent from school regularly, they miss out on important social interactions, extracurricular activities, and opportunities to build relationships with peers and mentors. This can lead to feelings of isolation, disengagement, and even depression. By addressing chronic absenteeism, we can create a more supportive and inclusive school environment where every student feels valued, connected, and supported in their personal and emotional growth.

– Long-term outcomes: Chronic absenteeism isn’t just a problem for students in the here and now; it also has long-term implications for their future success and well-being. Students who are frequently absent from school are more likely to drop out of high school, engage in risky behaviors, and experience negative outcomes later in life. By intervening early and addressing chronic absenteeism, we can help set students on a path to long-term success, breaking the cycle of generational poverty and inequity.

The district attendance and site attendance teams include attendance clerks, outreach consultants, counselors and administrators. If you or a family member is struggling to get your student to school, please contact Director

Zachary Pless at zpless@mjusd,k12.ca.us. We are here to help.