September is Attendance Awareness Month: ThriveWay Encourages Students to Show Up and Stay Connected

September is Attendance Awareness Month, highlighting the important role regular school attendance plays in a student’s academic success, relationships, and overall well-being.

For students, showing up matters.

Every day at school provides opportunities to connect with caring adults, and develop skills for the future. Frequent absences can mean missing not only lessons, but also important connections and experiences.

ThriveWay encourages schools, families, educators, and communities to make attendance a shared priority while looking beyond the absence to ask: “What does this student need to be successful?”

“Attendance is about so much more than a number on a spreadsheet,” said Allison Moore, ThriveWay President and Co-Founder. “When students are present, they have more opportunities to connect, learn, and feel like they belong. Our goal is to help schools create environments where students want to show up and where they know they are seen and supported.”

Attendance challenges can stem from transportation issues, health concerns, family circumstances, anxiety, disengagement, and other barriers. Addressing attendance requires relationships, early support, and a school community committed to removing barriers.

Through its work with schools and communities, ThriveWay promotes prevention and student support strategies that create positive, connected school environments where students can thrive.

Parents and caregivers can help by establishing consistent routines, communicating with schools when challenges arise, and talking with students about the importance of being present. Educators can help by building strong relationships, recognizing early signs of disengagement, celebrating improvement, and connecting students and families with support.

This September, let’s make showing up count.