Boston schools experiment with strategies to reduce student absences through sports, raffles, and Saturday schedules

At New Mission High in Hyde Park, students are starting their school day in a unique way – by hitting the gymnasium before heading to their homerooms. Shawn Polk, the school’s health and physical education teacher, opens the gym doors at 7 a.m., playing catchy pop music as students come in to play basketball or volleyball.

The morning sports routine is part of the district’s initiative to address spikes in absences, especially among older students. The “Win the Day” campaign aims to improve attendance by offering new extracurriculars and programs. At New Mission High, students have embraced the early morning sports sessions, finding it a fun and engaging way to start their day.

Research shows that chronic absenteeism can lead to higher dropout rates, especially among students from low-income or minority backgrounds. In Boston, nearly 40% of public school students were chronically absent last year, a concerning trend that the district is working to address.

To combat absenteeism, schools in the district are offering incentives for good attendance, such as weekend tutoring sessions and partnerships with local businesses to provide rewards for students. The focus is on building relationships with students and families to understand the root causes of absences and provide support where needed.

At Boston Community Leadership Academy-McCormack, students are participating in a raffle for prizes like movie tickets or field trips as a reward for good attendance. The effort has been successful in motivating students to come to school and engage in their education.

Overall, the district’s efforts to improve attendance are making a positive impact on students’ lives, helping them stay in school and succeed academically. The focus on building relationships and providing support is key to addressing the complex reasons behind chronic absenteeism and ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive.