September Attendance Sets the Tone for the Year

TL;DR

• September attendance habits predict yearlong patterns
• Students are most vulnerable to disengagement in the first 30 days
• Teachers need tools that support visibility, connection, and motivation
• We’re offering a free 30-day attendance challenge + toolkit to help

The First 30 Days Matter More Than You Think

Everything starts with getting kids in the classroom. Let’s help them be there consistently, meaningfully, and supported.

Research shows that attendance patterns set in September are likely to stick. Students who miss just two days in the first month are significantly more likely to be chronically absent later in the year.

That means back-to-school is the prime habit-setting season.

From Crisis Response to Culture-Building

For years, attendance work was reactive. We flagged the red. We focused on crisis intervention.

It’s time to shift the narrative. What if we make consistent attendance a visible, celebrated part of school culture? What if our first month of school focuses on building belonging, routine, and relationships?

This school year, we’re launching Mission: Attendance, a year-long buddy program for attendance. Each month, we’ll send you two emails with free tools, ready-to-use templates, and tips for improving attendance from districts across the country. 

We’re kicking it off with a 30-Day Attendance Challenge with free (and fun) actionable resources to set the pattern of daily attendance for that first crucial month of school.

How to Build Strong September Attendance Habits

Here are three ways to use the 30-Day Attendance Challenge Starter Kit to make a strong start!

1. Track early patterns with data that matters

Use the MTSS Attendance Needs Assessment Protocol to reflect on Tier 1 attendance supports. This team exercise helps you drill down into attendance patterns, stakeholder feedback, and system gaps to identify exactly where to focus your September efforts. Look for early warning signs, connection gaps, and data that reveals which students need support before chronic absence patterns take hold.

2. Build student belonging, class by class

Download the 30-Day Educator Challenge Calendar for small daily actions to welcome students, make them visible, and build trust.

3. Make attendance a schoolwide win

The Student Challenge Calendars have versions for K-6 and 7-12 so you can launch a school- or district-wide initiative grounded in connection and commitment.

Keep the Momentum Going

When attendance is rooted in connection, consistency follows. That’s what the September Attendance Challenge is all about: starting strong, building habits, and fostering a culture where students and families know they matter.

We’re going even further with attendance resources all year-long through Mission: Attendance because everyone could use a little extra support in this work. Let’s tackle it together. I’m always happy to talk through ideas or challenges you’re facing.