Regular school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success — academically, socially, and emotionally. That’s one reason why North Carolina declares September Attendance Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of showing up and to celebrate schools making meaningful progress.
During the 2024–25 school year, one in four North Carolina students was chronically absent, meaning they missed 10% or more of the school year for any reason. Chronic absenteeism affects learning, confidence, and long‑term outcomes, but the good news is that schools and families can work together to turn the trend around.
Why Attendance Matters
Consistent attendance helps students:
- Build strong relationships with teachers and peers
- Stay on track academically
- Develop routines that support long‑term well‑being
- Feel connected to their school community
When students miss school frequently, they miss instruction, support, and opportunities to grow. Addressing chronic absenteeism requires a team approach, with teachers, administrators, counselors, school social workers, and families working together.
A Bright Spot in Pitt County: Northwest Elementary
Northwest Elementary was recently recognized as one of 310 AttendNC “Bright Spot” schools statewide — an honor awarded by the NC Department of Public Instruction to schools making meaningful progress in reducing chronic absenteeism.
Principal Willis describes their approach simply: “We believe that people matter.”
At Northwest, teachers notify staff when a student misses two or three consecutive days. The school social worker reaches out to the family, and the attendance team works together to identify barriers and next steps. Their intentional focus on relationships has made a powerful impact across the school.
Bright Spot schools share several effective practices:
- Noticing attendance concerns early
- Understanding why a student is absent
- Working as a team
- Building strong connections with families
- Following through with support
These strategies help schools respond with care, consistency, and collaboration.
Learn More About Recent PCS Attendance Policy Updates
In a recent episode of the PCS Connect Podcast, Executive Director of Student Services Sara English discussed updates to Pitt County Schools’ attendance policy and what families need to know.
- Truancy and chronic absenteeism
- What counts as present
- Parent notes and excused absences
- Educational absences
- Make-up work and Learning Recovery
You can listen to that conversation HERE. Additionally, click HERE to review the recently updated PCS attendance policy.
How Families Can Help
Educators want every student to succeed — and regular attendance is one of the most important keys to that success. Families can support strong attendance by:
- Prioritizing daily school routines
- Communicating early with teachers or school staff when challenges arise
- Partnering with school teams to address barriers
- Encouraging students to stay connected and engaged
There are many reasons a student may be absent, and every situation is unique. What matters most is that families and schools work together to identify concerns early and support students in getting back on track.
Showing Up Strengthens Our Schools
Attendance Awareness Month is a reminder that every day counts. When students show up, they grow — and when schools and families partner together, our entire community benefits.
