Help create a culture of learning in Battle Creek
We want everyone to know that every day counts. Families and students shouldn’t just hear about how important school is from their teachers — we need the entire community to help us share this message.
Want to help? Here’s how you can get involved:
Start a conversation with your friends and family about the importance of attending school. If you or your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or church group members have kids, ask them about school!
If you know someone having issues getting to school, let them know they should contact a teacher or administrator at BCPS. We are here to help!
Strong attendance leads to a strong community!
Spread the word to students that every day counts!
If you notice school-aged children outside of school during school hours, it's important to approach the situation with care and consideration. Here are a few helpful strategies to help talk to them about attendance:
Be calm and non-judgmental: Stay calm and non-judgmental when talking to the student. Instead of getting angry or frustrated, approach them with empathy and understanding.
Ask non-threatening questions: Start the conversation by asking simple questions, such as "what school do you go to?" and "can you tell me why you're not in school today?"
Listen actively: Listen actively to their response and show that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say. Acknowledge their feelings and experiences, and try to understand their perspective.
Remind them that their community is behind them. Let them know that as a member of this community, you care about them and want to see them succeed, so our community will thrive. If they need additional support from the school to get there on time, let them know to reach out to their school’s Communities in Schools Site Coordinator.
- Discuss the potential consequences: Missing school doesn’t just mean missing out on one day — it makes it harder to catch up and keep pace the next day. Catching up when you’re behind is difficult, but it starts by showing up one day at a time.
Missing just one day every two weeks can add up to 18 days in a year.
Students who are absent an average of 15 days a year miss a year's worth of school before their senior year.
Remind them of the resources available in school. Whether they are struggling with stress, anxiety, or other barriers to success, each of our schools includes an extensive team of physical, social-emotional, and mental health supports. The most important thing is for them to show up, and then reach out for support to a teacher, principal, or Communities in Schools Site Coordinator.