Shout-Out For The 'Perfect Attendance 8' From Ross Woodward School

NEW HAVEN, CT —It's not breaking news. Not the top story of the day. But is major nonetheless. Chronic student absenteeism is an issue in New Haven and across the nation.

New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón has made reducing absenteeism a top priority. The district’s chronic absenteeism rate is currently 34.3 percent, down from 58.2 percent recorded at the end of 2021-22. The goal is to be no higher than 27.5 percent by the end of this school year.

In May, Negrón and Chief of Youth, Family, and Community Engagement Gemma Joseph Lumpkin traveled to the White House for a summit hosted by the Biden-Harris administration of education leaders on “Addressing Chronic Absenteeism and Increasing Student Engagement.” The Every Day Counts Summit featured remarks from Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden.

High rates of student chronic absenteeism–a national problem–can impact students’ academic achievement, their social and emotional development, and their mental health and overall wellbeing. So when eight elementary school kids have perfect attendance, it's a big deal.

These kids from Ross/Woodward Classical Studies Magnet School made it through the entire school year, never missing a day of classes. That's 180 days.

"Ross Woodward celebrated eight students who achieved perfect attendance for the entire school year! They have shown much growth in all subject areas. Congratulations," New Haven schools posted on Facebook.

Congratulations and keep up the good work!