Providence schools taking steps to curb chronic student absenteeism
By: Melissa Randall
Email: Mrandall@abc6.com
Twitter: @MRandallABC6
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE-TV)— As students in Providence return to the classroom Tuesday the district is putting a big focus on getting the kids to school each and every day. Rhode Island is in of the bottom 10 nationwide in terms of chronic absenteeism. That means that students miss 10% of days per school year.
“In Providence it’s a huge issue for us,” explained Superintendent Chris Maher.
The district is now taking steps to combat the problem including using the walking school bus and a new two–way texting system to increase family–school communications.
Parents ABC6 News spoke to are eager to participate.
“Every day it’s very important to get the kids to school on time, to make sure they have a great education,” said Daniella Johnson as she dropped off her son.
Administrators say it’ll take everyone working together to make the 2018–2019 academic year the best yet.
© WLNE-TV 2018
