Polk County sends two messages daily to families about student attendance. Review these slides or a recorded webinar here to learn more about their effective practice: https://blackboard.webex.com/blackboard/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=62253707&rKey=29a03844b13d68f0

4. Mass Communication in Action Sample Attendance Message : “Hello from Principal Jennie Breister at Bedford Elementary. Please listen to the following important message concerning your child’s attendance in school today. School attendance is critical to your child's academic and future success. Except when your child is sick, please make every attempt to get them to school on time, and ready to learn every day. We appreciate your efforts and support.”

5. Top Notch Service

6. The Impact of Attendance on Student Achievement Research shows that students who attend school every day pass CA state tests in reading and math at much higher rates than students who attend school less than 85% of the time. Higher attendance equals higher achievement for all students. - San Diego Unified School District Research & Reporting Department

7. Impact at an Early Age

11. Polk County School District Polk County Public Schools Mission: To ensure rigorous, relevant learning experiences that result in high achievement for our students.

13. Polk School District September 28, 2006 12:19 p.m. Communication changed for Polk County Schools

15. Polk School District What we want: Every student in school every day. What we know: If a student is not in attendance at least 85% of the time, achievement at grade level is compromised.

17. Polk School District Lakeland Senior High School Enrollment: 2028 53.8 - White 25.3 % - Black 15.2 % - Hispanic 53.5 % - Economically disadvantaged

18. Lakeland High School Attendance Improvement From 23,333 absences in 2006-07 To 6,046 absences in 2010-11

19. “ As a principal, I look for opportunities to strengthen the school’s relationship with our parents and students. Connect-Ed allows me to communicate important information about school happenings, emergency announcements and students’ daily attendance. Empowering families with up-to-date information has helped me to shift accountability to them and engage them more in our school community.” Tracy Collins Principal, LHS

22. Q&A

23. For more information Ann Marshall, [email_address] Safe Schools Supervisor Learn more about Blackboard Connect and other technology solutions for K-12 schools and districts: www.blackboard.com/connect or www.blackboard.com/k12