The Power of Positive Relationships Between High School Students and Staff: A Path Towards Higher Attendance 

By Vincent Propson, Assistant Principal, Ripon High School 

Introduction 

Creating a positive school environment is critical for student success, and one key component is fostering healthy relationships between high school students and staff. Research and experience show that when students feel connected, understood, and supported by their teachers, counselors, and other school personnel, they are more likely to attend school consistently. This article explores the correlation between positive student-staff relationships and increased attendance rates, highlighting the benefits and providing suggestions for fostering these connections. 

Understanding the Importance of Positive Relationships 

High school can be a challenging period for many students, as they navigate academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal development. Positive relationships with teachers and staff can significantly impact a student's sense of belonging and well-being, which in turn influences their motivation to attend school. When students feel valued and supported by the adults around them, they are more likely to see school as a safe and engaging place, rather than a source of stress or indifference. 

How Positive Relationships Impact Attendance - Key Factors for Improving Attendance Enhanced Sense of Belongingness: When students feel that they belong to a community where teachers and staff care about them as individuals, they are more likely to attend regularly. This sense of belonging acts as a buffer against feelings of isolation, making students feel like they are a valued part of the school environment. 

Improved Motivation and Engagement: Students are motivated to attend school when they have a connection with their teachers and other staff members. For instance, if a student knows that a teacher is invested in their success, they are more likely to attend that class and put in the effort needed to succeed. Regular positive interactions with staff can create a sense of accountability, where students do not want to disappoint the adults who believe in them. A simple “Good Morning!” and a smile at the door can go a long way! 

To improve motivation academically, teachers can allow a student the opportunity to develop their demonstration of learning toward mastery with grace. This could include options such as revisions, reflections, retakes, corrections, or even a completely new task to bridge their gap. No piece of work is ever finished, as long as a student wants to continue to strive for excellence. Allowing student voice and choice throughout their educational journey will increase their intrinsic motivation to learn and engage in classroom lessons. Ask this question to a student, “How would you like to demonstrate that you have learned this content?” and watch as the student constructs a project, bending the constraints of a classic essay to meet all the learning targets, and exceeding your expectations! When students feel supported in their learning, they are less likely to avoid class. 

Support for Personal Challenges: Many high school students face challenges outside of school, such as family issues, mental health struggles, or financial difficulties. A positive relationship with a staff member can provide the support and understanding they need to navigate these issues. When students have someone to confide in, they are less likely to skip school when facing difficulties, as they know they have a support system within the school. 

The Role of Teachers and School Staff 

Teachers, counselors, and school administrators play a crucial role in creating a school climate where students feel supported and valued. Here are some suggestions in which staff can build positive relationships with students, leading to better attendance:

Open and Respectful Communication: Staff members who communicate openly with students create an environment of trust and respect. By listening to students' concerns and providing constructive feedback, teachers, counselors, and administrators can build rapport that encourages students to attend classes and seek help when needed. 

Mentorship and Guidance: Serving as mentors can have a profound impact on students. Whether through formal mentorship programs or simply showing interest in students' interests, hobbies, extracurriculars, or lives, teachers and counselors who act as mentors provide a sense of stability and guidance, motivating students to stay engaged in school. This type of motivation is more sustainable and leads to better long-term outcomes, as students attend school not because they fear consequences, but because they feel motivated to succeed and contribute to the school community. 

Additionally, positive communication and strong student-teacher relationships contribute to students' social-emotional well-being. When students feel safe and supported, they are better able to manage stress, resolve conflicts, and build positive peer relationships. This creates a virtuous cycle where students feel more comfortable in the school environment. 

Creating a Positive Classroom Environment: When teachers create a classroom environment that is engaging, inclusive, and supportive, students want to be there! Teachers who demonstrate empathy, maintain high expectations, and celebrate student progress foster a culture where students feel eager to participate. Although structure can be perceived by a student as a hindrance to their day, students oftentimes need that support because school might be the only consistent part of their day. Maybe even more importantly when discussing culture; whatever staff allow to occur in their presence, students notice, and that action or inaction has a direct impact on a student’s comfortability in their school, ultimately impacting attendance. 

Family Outreach: Establishing a clear line of communication with a student’s guardian will help improve a student’s failing attendance. Reach out by giving their guardian a call, and ask, “How can we work together as a team to help your student succeed.” No parent wants their student to fail. Approach the communication cautiously, hearing the parent’s concerns, and respond with empathy. Parents, much like students, need to feel that they’ve been heard, too. 

Evidence-Based Benefits of Positive Student-Staff Relationships 

Studies consistently show that positive relationships between students and staff lead to numerous benefits, including improved attendance rates. Some of the key findings include: 

Lower Rates of Chronic Absenteeism: Research has found that students who feel connected to their teachers and school community are less likely to be chronically absent (missing 15 or more days of school). 

Improved Academic Performance: Higher attendance translates to improved academic performance. When students attend school regularly, they are better able to keep up with coursework, leading to higher grades and a greater likelihood of graduating on time. Continuous positive reinforcement from staff members helps students recognize the value of consistent attendance for their long-term goals. 

Practical Strategies for Schools to Foster Positive Relationships 

Building positive relationships between students and staff requires intentional efforts from the entire school community. Here are some strategies schools can use to foster positive relationships with students: 

Professional Development for Staff: Providing training for teachers and staff on building relationships with students can have a significant impact. This training can include strategies for effective communication, empathy-building, and culturally responsive practices that help staff connect with diverse student populations.

Advisory and Mentorship Programs: Establishing advisory programs where teachers meet regularly with a group of students can create a safe space for students to discuss their challenges and achievements. Similarly, mentorship programs that pair students with staff members can provide additional support and guidance. 

Creating Opportunities for Informal Interactions: Informal interactions outside of the classroom such as during lunch, school clubs, or extracurricular activities will help build rapport between students and staff. These casual conversations allow students to see staff members as approachable. Yes, we are human, too! 

Recognizing and Celebrating Success: Schools that celebrate student achievements, both academic and personal, create a positive school culture. When staff recognize students for their efforts and successes, it reinforces the idea that their presence in school is valued. 

Restorative Conversations: Rather than immediately resorting to punishment when issues arise, staff can engage students in restorative conversations. This involves addressing the root causes of misbehavior, encouraging students to reflect on their actions, and working together to find solutions. This approach not only resolves conflicts but also strengthens the relationship between students and staff, fostering a sense of understanding and respect. When students see these behaviors modeled by adults, they are more likely to replicate them in their own interactions, contributing to a more respectful and supportive school environment. 

Providing Opportunities for Leadership: Giving students leadership opportunities, such as participating in student councils, peer mentoring, or leading school projects, can help them take pride in their role within the school community. This sense of responsibility and ownership encourages them to maintain positive behaviors and attend school consistently. 

Empowering Positive Behaviors Rather Than Discipline and Truancy 

An essential aspect of fostering positive relationships between high school students and staff is prioritizing the empowerment of positive behaviors over traditional disciplinary actions. While discipline has its place in maintaining order and safety in schools, an overreliance on punitive measures can create a negative school climate, leading to increased absenteeism and disengagement. Instead, when schools focus on reinforcing positive behaviors and creating a supportive environment, students feel more valued and are more likely to attend regularly. Now, a truancy referral still holds an important role as part of upholding high expectations, but the referral should come after administration has expended their resources and the student and family are making little to no attempt to address the lack of attendance. Be mindful, it’s essential to know the student situation and family dynamic before issuing a referral; please know, it can make the situation worse. School administrators want to work with families and do all that they can to help. Unfortunately, not all families want help and a referral for truancy might be the “wake up call” a student or family needs. 

The Downside of Punitive Discipline 

Traditional disciplinary actions, such as suspensions, detentions, and referrals, can contribute to a cycle of disengagement and absenteeism. When students are frequently disciplined, they may develop negative feelings toward school, viewing it as a place where they are not understood or supported. This perception can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as skipping classes or even dropping out altogether. 

Excessive punitive discipline can also damage the trust between students and staff, making it harder for students to feel comfortable seeking help or guidance. This can have a particularly negative impact on students who may already be dealing with challenges outside of school.

Discipline and the Connection to Attendance 

Empowering positive behaviors rather than relying on punishment can have a direct impact on student attendance. When students feel that their positive actions are noticed and appreciated, they are more likely to view school as a place where they can thrive. This can increase their willingness to attend regularly, even when they face challenges. Furthermore, by reducing the use of exclusionary discipline measures like suspensions, schools can ensure that students remain engaged in their education rather than being pushed out of the classroom. 

Conclusion 

The correlation between positive student-staff relationships and increased attendance rates is clear: when students feel connected to the adults in their school, they are more likely to attend regularly and engage in their education. By fostering a culture of support, respect, and open communication, schools can create an environment where students feel eager to show up each day. These relationships not only lead to better attendance but also contribute to the overall development of students, preparing them for success both in school and beyond. Investing in positive relationships is not just beneficial for attendance—it's a crucial step towards building a thriving, supportive school community.