CCPS Tops State in Student Attendance

Superintendent Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli is joining the nationwide effort to highlight Attendance Awareness Month in September, emphasizing the importance of reducing chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% of the school year, or about 18 days, for any reason. Research shows September is a critical month; students who miss two to four days early on are five times more likely to be chronically absent for the year.

Locally, Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) is looking to continue leading the state in student attendance.  According to the Florida Department of Education, CCPS has the fewest percentage of chronically absent students. That is out of all 67 Florida school districts and is based on the most recent attendance data from School Year 2023-24. 

The impact of attendance begins early. Starting as early as kindergarten—or even preschool—chronic absence is linked to lower reading scores. Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade read on grade level by the end of third grade. By middle and high school, the consequences become even more serious. By sixth grade, chronic absences are a leading indicator of dropping out, and by ninth grade, attendance is a stronger predictor of graduation rates than eighth grade test scores.

Families play a critical role in building strong attendance habits. Here are a few simple strategies to help students stay on track:

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before
• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up—call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent
• Schedule non-urgent medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session
• If your child must stay home due to illness, check Canvas to continue learning at home
• Make sure your child is not missing class because of challenges, such as bullying or anxiety; contact the school and work with them to find a solution
• Monitor your child’s academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors when necessary
• Encourage your child to join meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs

As CCPS recognizes September as Attendance Awareness Month, the District remains committed to sustaining its excellence as Florida’s leader in student attendance—proving that being “On Time, All Day, Every Day” is more than a slogan; it’s a commitment.