Columbus City Schools (CCS) recently announced the winners of their "Restart, Refocus, Raise Your Attendance!" Challenge, lauding the efforts of students and staff in improving attendance around the typically slump-ridden winter break period. Among the celebrated winners were Colerain Elementary School for the Elementary Division, Columbus Africentric Middle School for the Middle School Division, and Columbus Scioto High School for the High School Division, according to Columbus City Schools (CCS).
According to a report from CCS, these schools exemplified the effective implementation of Tier 1 practices, staff collaboration, and a nurturing school culture as key drivers for their improvements in student attendance. Columbus Africentric Middle School notably led the way in the middle school category with innovative programs such as the Secure the B.A.G. Initiative, conceived by middle school principal Mr. Warren in 2017. This initiative emphasizes the connection between behavior, attendance, and grades, offering incentives for students who meet specific benchmarks.
Mr. Warren explained the holistic approach in an interview with CCS, "Attendance is about more than just being present. It’s about helping students understand why showing up every day matters—for their learning, their goals, and their future." His school's strategy included goal setting and regular school-wide activities, such as Spirit Week, which helped in fostering a sense of community and student buy-in.
