Student success at Hemlock Public School District begins with being present. Regular attendance supports academic growth, encourages classroom engagement, and helps students develop the habits needed for long-term achievement. From kindergarten to high school, attendance matters at all levels of development. Showing up every day builds a strong foundation for learning, connection, and opportunity.
Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to stay on track academically and graduate on time. According to the University of Chicago’s Consortium on School Research, students who are “on track” by the end of 9th grade (based on passing core classes and consistent attendance) are up to four times more likely to graduate than their peers who fall off track. Attendance is not just a high school issue; it matters at every grade level.
Even missing as few as two days per month (or 18 days in a school year) can make a student chronically absent, a status that has been linked to lower achievement in reading and math, especially in early grades. This makes daily attendance one of the most critical contributors to long-term academic outcomes.
“We want families to understand that every day in school is a chance to learn, grow, and stay connected,” said Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck. “Attendance doesn’t just affect grades, it builds habits that shape students’ futures.”
In Hemlock, staff and educators are working to build a culture that values consistent attendance, and that work starts at home. Parents and caregivers play a major role in how children view the importance of school. Simple phrases like “Every day matters,” “School is your job,” or “You’ve got this” can help children build a mindset that attendance is part of success.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, students who are chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read on grade level by 3rd grade. Reading on grade level by 3rd grade is a strong predictor of future academic success. At Hemlock, this connection reinforces why every day in school matters, even in the earliest grades.
“This isn’t just about being in a seat,” said High School Principal Keith Green. “Being present means students are engaging with peers, participating in discussions, learning how to problem solve in real-time; it all matters. One day missed is one less opportunity to grow.”
As part of this campaign, Hemlock Public School District will continue sharing tools, facts, and encouragement to help families make attendance a priority. Because when students show up, they go up, and attendance is a game changer.