In recognition of September as “Attendance Awareness Month,” City of Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler visited Van Schaick Grade School on September 28, along with Assistant Superintendent Dan Martinelli, to deliver a Proclamation stating that the city recognizes the importance of attending school every day and supports the District’s efforts to combat chronic absenteeism.
During the assembly, Principal Jacqueline DeChiaro reminded students of their B’s – Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful and Be a Hero, which stands for “here everyday and on time.”
The goal at VSGS is for all students to have a 95% attendance rate; last year they were very close at 91%.
“We need our students to be in school everyday. Being absent just two days a month can make it harder for children to learn to read, which is the foundation to learning all other subject areas.,” said Mrs. DeChiaro. “Teachers create lessons that build upon one another; if a student is missing multiple days it can become frustrating for the student.”
To encourage their 95% attendance goal, Mayor Keeler told the crowd that he would throw a pizza party for the class who wins! Now that’s an incentive!