MOOSE JAW — Research shows that students do better when they attend school regularly, so Prairie South School Division is promoting an attendance matters-focused campaign to encourage youths to be in class daily.
The division kicked off the “#YourPresenceMatters” campaign during the recent board of education meeting, with trustees and administration wearing red T-shirts with the phrase on the front.
The campaign aims to send a message to students, families and the community that Prairie South cares about its youths and wants them to be in school daily since attendance is good for academic achievement, well-being, and health, explained education director Ryan Boughen.
“We will be working with (the) community and school community councils and schools to make sure we get this message out, and (to) the media … ,” he continued. “It’s a message that we care very deeply about kids and we want them in school.”
The board has made regular school attendance one of its priorities in its 2024-28 strategic plan, since trustees believe that if students attend often, the division can educate them, Boughen said. Moreover, Prairie South is receiving support from River Street Promotions (RSP) since this initiative aligns with the company’s work supporting student mental health and well-being.
“We care for our students and want the best for them, and we know if they attend school regularly, they have the best opportunity for holistic development,” he pointed out.
Boughen noted that PSSD’s administration has been planning this campaign since the end of the 2023-24 school year. Moreover, the data it possesses showing the importance of attendance comes mostly from the United States, particularly attendanceworks.org, along with professional development events that superintendents have attended.
Meanwhile, the organization is promoting the initiative by sending home letters to parents and guardians, using social media, distributing decals and stickers, working with school community councils, communicating in school newsletters, and working with RSP, businesses and other public venues.
“The campaign itself will not be measured because we are doing a number of things to strengthen student attendance,” Boughen added. “However, overall student attendance will be measured as part of our strategic plan and our strategic imperative.”
The next PSSD board meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
