Present and Prompt making a difference at Lakeview School
Attendance matters, and at Lakeview School, a program called Present and Prompt is helping to close the achievement gap and ensure student success by getting students to school regularly and on time.
Staff looked through attendance records and invited students who were struggling with numerous absences and/or tardies to participate in Present and Prompt; many of these students also were struggling academically.
"Research shows that the incidence of children falling behind as learners is connected to how much they come to school," said Lakeview Student Support Teacher Katie Ferguson.
Title 1 teacher and designer of the program, Kelly Santell, social worker Mollie King, school psychologist Meg Kwak, and Ferguson each have a group of students that they meet with before school each day for Present and Prompt, now in its third year. Students receive a smiley face on their calendar whenever they arrive on time, and the group engages in a fun activity such as a craft or game from 8:25 until the announcements begin at 8:45. Every Wednesday, they play basketball.
"The kids love it-they want to come to school and see us in the morning and do their activity," Ferguson said.
The staff members working with Present and Prompt participants started the year by talking with the students about why it is important to come to school and be on time. Students' reasons included: "So I can learn," "so I don't miss anything", and "so I can see my friends."
"We tell them to grow their brains, they need to be here," Ferguson said.
Present and Prompt leaders called all participating students' families to let them know their child was selected for the program and to offer any supports needed. When the students are very young, it is the parents' responsibility to get the child to school on time, and staff wants to help families problem solve whatever is preventing their child from being at school on time each day.
In addition, staff talked with the students about why it can be difficult for them to come to school and arrive on time. They also discussed strategies the students could try in order to help them meet their attendance and punctuality goals, such as setting out their clothes and getting their backpack ready the night before. Progress updates and celebration calls are made to families over the course of the year.
"The intent is to create deeper relationships with families in the Lakeview community so we can partner together to make attendance a priority," Principal Laura Rosenblum said.
Ferguson said the Present and Prompt program has made a significant difference.
"Student attendance has improved and academic growth data shows that the program is helping to close the achievement gap, and enabling participants to make faster academic progress," Ferguson said.