MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 says it has made significant progress in getting students into the classroom, with the district’s chronic absenteeism rate falling from 35% to 18% in just a few years.
District officials said the improvement puts USD 308’s chronic absenteeism rate below the Kansas state average.
The district credits students, families, teachers and staff for helping improve attendance while emphasizing that students can miss school for a variety of reasons, including illness, medical appointments, family needs and other challenges.
“Our goal is not to place blame,” the district said in a release. “We want to work with families, offer support when needed and help students be at school as often as possible.”
A student is considered chronically absent when the student misses 10% or more of the school days that have taken place. The calculation includes both excused and unexcused absences.
District officials said frequent absences can make it more difficult for students to keep up academically and remain connected with teachers and classmates.
USD 308 said it wants to build on the improvement by continuing to work with families and providing support when circumstances make regular attendance difficult.
“We are proud of the progress our families have made, and we want to keep that progress going,” the district said. “By working together, we can help every student succeed.”
The district is encouraging families to view each school day as an opportunity for students to learn, build relationships and continue their academic and personal growth.