🏆 ATTENDANCE MATTERS! 🎉

What if we told you that missing just TWO days of school each month could add up to an entire MONTH of missed learning by the end of the school year?  😲

It's true! Just two absences per month can add up to approximately 18 missed school days in a typical school year. That's 10% of a child's education for the year!

And here's something even more important: Research shows that students who are chronically absent during their early elementary years are significantly less likely to read at grade level by third grade.

That's why showing up isn't just about attendance. It's about opportunity. It's about achievement. It's about building a brighter future, one school day at a time!

Today marks the end of the 1st Quarter at Cicero District 99, and we're celebrating the classrooms that have led the way in making every day count!

 🥁 Drumroll, please! Congratulations to our 1Q Attendance Champions! These classrooms earned the top attendance honors in their respective schools! 

🐺 Cicero East : Ms. Resendez's 5th Grade Class 211
🦅 Cicero West:  Ms. Reynoso's 3rd Grade Class 322
🐎 Columbus East: Mr. Maa's 5th Grade Class 209
🐱 Columbus West: Ms. Martinez's 3rd Grade Class 323
🐈‍⬛ Drexel: Mr. Yanez's 2nd Grade Class 227
🦉 EC Center: Ms. Babor's AM Class 106
🐊 Goodwin: Ms. Vega's 5th Grade Class 310
🦅 Liberty: Mr. Ramirez's 2nd Grade Class 211
🦁 Lincoln: Ms. Gallegos' 4th Grade Class 123
🐦‍⬛ Roosevelt: Ms. Turner's 5th Grade Class 204
🦈 Sherlock: Ms. Romano's 3rd Grade Class 206
🐯 Unity East: Ms. Escanilla's 8th Grade Class 127
🐯 Unity West: Ms. Carbajal's 7th Grade Class 336
🐺 Warren Park: Ms. Monsivais' 1st Grade Class 102
🐉 Wilson: Ms. Hernandez's 3rd Grade Class 208

Let's give these students, teachers, and families a huge round of applause! 👏

Behind every strong attendance record is a team effort. There are families making sure backpacks are ready, alarms are set, and children arrive prepared to learn. There are teachers creating classrooms where students feel welcomed, valued, and excited to return. And there are students showing up, working hard, and making the most of their opportunities.

Your commitment is making a difference, and we see you! 🔥

But here's the challenge, District 99... The first quarter is officially in the books, but the race isn't over! 

Which classrooms will rise to the top in Quarter Two? Will our current champions defend their titles? Or will NEW classrooms step up and claim the spotlight? The challenge is ON! 👀

And remember, this is about something much bigger than recognition. Every day in school is another opportunity to master a new skill, strengthen a friendship, build confidence, and take one more step toward a successful future.

🎯 Our goal is simple: 9 days or less! 

Missing nine days or fewer over a 180-day school year means being present for at least 95% of the school year. That's a powerful goal worth working toward!

Families, you are our most important partners in making this happen. Establish strong morning routines, prioritize school attendance whenever your child is healthy, and reach out to your school when challenges arise. We're here to work together! 

Because every student matters. Every opportunity matters. And EVERY DAY COUNTS!