A recent surge in attendance can be linked to the Atlanta Public School’s Attendance Incentives Team who is focused on fostering increased student engagement in their schools. With generous prizes and awards, students are encouraged to celebrate themselves for simply showing up to school. APS has implemented these incentives with the intention of creating a welcoming environment that challenges students, as well as inspires them. With North Atlanta implementing these incentives as well, efforts are being made to bump up the percentage of schoolwide turnouts.
The push for increased attendance would not be made possible without the representatives who ingrain the importance of attendance in their school communities. These representatives play crucial roles in encouraging their peers to attend school regularly and in a timely manner. Senior Kaleigh Fleming is among North Atlanta’s attendance initiative representatives. Fleming is in charge of running their social media accounts, including TikTok and Instagram. “Our main goal is to make sure everyone is coming to school and getting the education they need,” she said. “If there is anything they need help with we hope to make sure it is there and offered to them.”
Another goal of this program is to increase participation percentages in hopes rise to first for attendance in the district. In addition to Kaleigh Fleming, junior Preston Vassar is also a representative for the attendance initiatives team. Vassar says you can only grow successfully and expand your academic life by being present. “It is important to take advantage of the education that is provided to all of us, and at school every day makes an impact on what you bring home at the end of the day,” he said.
The program implements monthly drawings, and the requirements to qualify are as simple as coming to school and going to all classes. Prizes include gift cards, merchandise, and tickets to local sporting and cultural events such as Braves games or Main Event.. These prizes cater to various interests across the student body, encouraging attendance for all. The APS Attendance Initiatives teams are providing meaningful encouragement and engaging prizes to keep students going to school. Using uplifting words and positive feedback, students are submersed into a supportive atmosphere that is based on students’ futures.
