Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of teamwork to make a difference and that’s exactly what the students at Cohoes Middle School are doing to help increase attendance, particularly when it comes to reducing late arrivals.
At the middle school, being on time means arriving at school by 8:09 a.m., in homerooms by 8:10 a.m. While chronic absenteeism is a problem nationwide, frequent tardiness also falls under that umbrella.
To address this issue, CMS Principal Heather Bradt implemented the ‘Attendance Challenge,’ earlier this year. She was inspired after learning about the HERO program – Hero Everyday Ready and On time – from Van Schaick Grade School Principal Jacqueline DeChiaro, who has had great success increasing her school’s attendance.
Building on that idea, Ms. Bradt developed a five-week Attendance Challenge featuring rotating ‘Attendance Captains.’ These student leaders motivate their peers over the morning announcements, while teachers continually remind their students to be on time. Ms. Bradt regularly sends messages on Schoology reminding parents and students about the importance of arriving promptly.
The winning team was announced during an assembly before spring recess, with Team 2 taking the top spot with an impressive 90% on time arrivals.
For some students, the challenge has provided extra motivation. Seventh grader Paris Lawton has worked hard to arrive on time to help her team. “It makes me feel good knowing I’m helping my team and making a difference,” she said.
By turning attendance into a team effort, the initiative has encouraged even reluctant students to show up and be on time. Ms. Bradt noted that the challenge has already helped reduce late arrivals and foster a stronger sense of responsibility among students.
“We want our students to feel welcome and to arrive on time.”
The next five-week challenge is set to kick off on April 20.