For generations, small communities like Solomon have been built on strong family values and close connections. Whether gathering at school events or cheering from the sidelines, Gorilla families take pride in the success of all students. But when students start missing school regularly, it’s not just their grades that suffer—it’s their future. USD 393 defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10 percent or more of the school year, a growing concern that impacts both individual students and the community. Regular attendance is key to helping students thrive.
While missing a couple of days each month may not seem like a big issue, the cumulative effect is significant. Missing two days a month adds up to 20 days per school year—almost four weeks of lost learning. Over 13 years from kindergarten to 12th grade, this equates to missing an entire year of instruction. Each absence, no matter how small, disrupts learning and puts students behind. Superintendent Justin Coup explained, “When students are frequently absent, they miss critical instructional time, fall behind their peers, and may experience lower grades, disengagement, and increased dropout rates.”
Chronic absenteeism also impacts the broader school community. Teachers often need to reteach material, slowing the pace for other students. Coup noted, “It can demoralize staff, who work hard to help students succeed, but struggle when students aren’t in class regularly.”
Several factors contribute to absenteeism in USD 393, from transportation challenges in rural areas to physical and mental health concerns, including lingering effects of COVID-19. Coup emphasized the importance of attending when healthy: “When a student is sick, they should stay home, but when they’re healthy, we need them here, learning and progressing.”
USD 393 tracks absenteeism closely, flagging students for early intervention at five percent of missed school days, with formal steps, such as counselor meetings and truancy filings are taken at 10 percent. The district has introduced strategies like the Mentoring program to build relationships and encourage attendance. “We’ve also made an effort to reach out to families to show them how much we value having their students in school, and miss them when they’re gone,” said Coup. The district also encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities, which helps them stay accountable and engaged.
Reducing chronic absenteeism requires a partnership between schools, families, and the community. “Every day missed is a missed opportunity to learn, grow, and connect,” Coup explained. The district aims to lower absenteeism rates to below nine percent, helping students thrive both academically and socially.