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Attendance

The image features a colorful and vibrant design promoting an %22Attendance Challenge%22 event organized by the Columbus City Schools. The foreground includes a checkered finish line, a %22Finish Strong%22 banner, and a bright sun in the background, creating an energetic and motivational atmosphere.

Take the Challenge

SHOW UP, SHINE BRIGHT, FINISH STRONG!

We are seeing encouraging growth in attendance practices across our district, and the fourth quarter is an important time to maintain momentum. During testing season, daily attendance plays a powerful role in helping students feel prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.

Click here to learn more about Whole-Child Supports.

Elementary School 
Attendance All-Stars!

At School:
  • Classroom Finish Line Trackers where students move along a race track for each day of
    strong attendance
    • Hallway race track displays showing each class contributing to a schoolwide “Finish Strong!”
    mural
    • Attendance progress charts in classrooms tracking movement toward the finish line each
    week
    • Morning affirmations celebrating students who show up ready to learn
    • Finish line-themed photo stations such as “I Finish Strong When I Show Up!”
At Home:
  • Talk with your child about how showing up every day helps them finish the year strong
  • Create a Family Finish Line Tracker at home where students add a sticker or mark progress for each day they attend school
  • Establish consistent bedtime and morning routines to help students start the day prepared
  • Celebrate attendance streaks with small family rewards such as choosing dinner, picking a movie, or family game night

Middle School
Spring Finish Line Fridays

At School:

  • Advisory or grade-level attendance leaderboards showing progress toward the finish line

  • Weekly attendance spotlights recognizing advisories or students demonstrating improvement
  • Student leadership groups promoting “Show Up. Shine Bright. Finish Strong!” through announcements and posters
  • Friendly advisory competitions encouraging consistent attendance
  • Hallway displays tracking grade-level progress toward attendance goals
At Home:
  • Review the CCS Student Attendance Success Guide with your student so they can learn how to advocate for themselves and plan for their future.
  • Set a family attendance goal for the challenge window
  • Help your student prepare materials and assignments the night before
  • Ask your child to track their own attendance streak using a calendar or phone reminder
  • Celebrate weekly attendance success with a small reward or recognition at home

High School
Finish Strong
Challenge

At School:
  • Finish Line Fridays Challenge encouraging students to attend every day during the challenge period
  • Attendance leaderboards tracking cohort-level progress
  • Student-led campaigns promoting the message “Show Up. Shine Bright. Finish Strong!”
  • Social media or digital displays highlighting strong attendance
  • Recognition for students showing improved or consistent attendance
At Home:
  • Review the CCS Student Attendance Success Guide with your student so they can learn
    how to advocate for themselves and plan for their future.
  • Connect attendance to graduation, college, and career goals
  • Encourage students to plan ahead for transportation, assignments, and schedules
  • Discuss how attendance habits impact long-term opportunities
  • Celebrate responsibility and commitment to showing up