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Whitman Middle School has cut its chronic absenteeism rate in half, using monthly challenges and community support to encourage students to attend regularly.

The rate fell from 26% in the 2022-23 school year to 13% in 2023-24. It now stands at 12%, and the school is aiming to reach 11% during 2024-25. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 18 school days in one year.

An attendance team has helped drive the improvement by addressing the needs of students and their families. Monthly initiatives add another layer of encouragement through class contests, individual awards such as sweet treats, and competitions between teachers and students.

The activities are designed to celebrate attendance rather than punish absences. School leaders want students to see that coming to class connects them with lessons, friends, clubs, counselors and the broader school community.

“Our attendance challenges build community at Whitman,” Director of Student Services Colleen Hooper said. “We are in this together, and supporting each other by walking through the door every day makes a difference.”

Students who miss school lose more than instructional time. They also miss informal moments with friends, after-school activities and opportunities to see counselors such as Ms. Shirley and Ms. Roberts. One Whitman student said being away makes everything feel different.

School officials recognize that illness, difficult mornings and other personal challenges can affect attendance. Their approach emphasizes that each additional day in the building creates more opportunities for students to develop friendships, connect with teachers and strengthen school spirit.

“The more days we are in the building together, there are more opportunities to nurture our friendships, relationships with teachers, and strengthen school spirit,” Hooper said.

Whitman’s attendance work is tied to Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan, which focuses on ensuring students are safe, supported, included and empowered.