Promoting Attendance at the Middle School Level: Strategies for Success

By Katie Spadoni, Principal, Asa Clark Middle School, Pewaukee School District

Attendance is a key factor in student success, especially during the middle school years when engagement and a sense of belonging can have a profound impact on students' overall development. At Asa Clark Middle School, promoting attendance goes beyond sending letters home. It takes a concerted effort on building connections, fostering accountability, and supporting families. Here are several strategies that we have engaged in to help promote positive attendance and support our students' continued growth.

Relationships Matter

Building strong relationships in the classroom has always been a priority, and research shows it positively impacts student engagement. Central to this approach is the philosophy of “valuing the learner before the learning.” When students feel personally valued and supported, they are more motivated to attend school and engage with their learning.  Our strategy includes explicit instruction on wellbeing, engagement, and connectedness through the Character Strong resource. We also incorporate purposeful Bellwork and Closure activities that may be tied to content or focused on deepening relationships.

Another strategy to build these connections is through Extended Learning Days, which provide opportunities for the entire student body to engage in collaborative activities.  Students and staff propose ideas for activities they enjoy. While staff members may choose activities related to their teaching subjects, they often pick activities they enjoy outside of school. Students then sign up for sessions based on their interests. This creates small groups of people within our community who share similar interests. These activity days are designed to foster meaningful relationships and connections and have quickly become a staple of the middle school experience in Pewaukee.

Data from a student perception survey in Spring 2024 reflects the success of this approach: nearly 98% of students reported feeling a medium to high level of connectedness to school, with similarly high percentages for connections with educators and peers. These strong relationships foster a sense of belonging, encouraging students to come to school each day ready to learn.

Support and Accountability: Going Beyond the Letter

Typical attendance protocols often involve sending letters home when concerns arise, but how can schools go beyond that step? Engaging students directly in reviewing their own attendance patterns has proven to be a powerful strategy. By giving middle schoolers access to their attendance records, they can identify trends, such as certain days of the week when they are more likely to miss school. This process encourages self-reflection and responsibility, setting the stage for more productive conversations about the importance of attendance.

Another effective strategy is involving students in collaborative problem-solving. When discussing attendance issues, clearly explain why attendance is important, then ask the student to suggest solutions. Work together to implement one solution over a set period, then review the progress. This empowers students to take ownership of their attendance and see their role in the solution.

Attendance contracts can also serve as helpful tools. These aren’t just about addressing past patterns but about setting future goals for the next 3-6 weeks. When progress is made, the goals can be adjusted for continued improvement. If there isn’t progress, schools can follow up with the consequences agreed upon in the contract. This process builds accountability while offering a structured path forward.

Strengthening Family Connections

Engaging families is a crucial part of promoting attendance. Often, parents are unaware of attendance patterns that have developed. When contacting families, approach with humility and curiosity, asking questions and seeking to understand the root causes of absences. Sometimes underlying mental health concerns manifest as physical symptoms, and it’s important to explore these possibilities.

Principals can also coach parents on ways to set limits, establish expectations, and create routines that support regular attendance. Partnering with families in this way fosters collaboration and ensures that everyone is working toward the same goal—helping the student succeed.

Finally, schools can benefit from leveraging community resources to support attendance. For example, a school or district social worker can be an invaluable partner in working with families, especially when attendance contracts are in place. Social workers can provide resources, connect families with additional support, and help address any underlying issues that may be contributing to chronic absenteeism.

Conclusion

Promoting attendance at the middle school level requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on connection, accountability, and collaboration. By fostering relationships within the school, empowering students to take ownership of their attendance, and engaging families in meaningful conversations, schools can create an environment where students feel valued and motivated to attend regularly. Combining these strategies with community resources can further strengthen the support systems that help middle schoolers thrive.