School is a foundational part of society, so attendance is king for education and development. Since the last introduction of the Spin-the-wheel attendance rewards program, it has so far seen significant improvement in students’ attendance. 

Along with posters, slides, and competitions, the program has broadened their horizon in order to promote healthy punctuality. Recently, the Community Schools have been required to send absence letters home to notify guardians. 

As expected, there are mixed reactions about it. Some children, parents, and young-adults appreciate the initiative, but others not so much. Regardless, the letters sent home are required by district and school policy to bring awareness of continuous and unexcused absence. 

Senior Bee Sackett is among the students who received letters and they share their opinion on the initiative.

“I appreciate all the effort that RCHS is putting in to increase attendance, but I honestly don’t think it will work until the school is made to feel like a safer, more inviting place. As much as I want to enjoy it here, it’s not easy and I think the best route to better attendance numbers is making the school an overall better place,” said Sackett. 

Different letters are sent depending on how many unexcused absences the student incurs. However, the format is nearly universal for each category of absence. 

One problem with this initiative is the well known senioritis. When seniors reach their last semester, they tend to not show up to school as much. In response to seniors’ loss of interest, lack thereof, fun activities are in store to incentivize students.

Additionally, the attendance rewards program is looking to extend their impact with a Mental Health and Wellness Campaign. Mr. Jatniel Rodriguez shares on the planning.

“Community Schools RCHS is planning… exciting things[for the campaign], including Mental Health and Wellness Events, a parent mental health awareness newsletter, changes to the hallways, exciting changes to the library’s wellness space and makers bar, and many more things to come!“ said Rodriguez.