Improved Attendance at Southeast Polk!

We all realize that attendance has been a challenge since Covid, and we wanted to share some improvements in the data as we enter the month of February. 

Chronic Absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason.  Our chronic absenteeism for the month of January 2025 was 14%.  This is the lowest number we have seen since returning from Covid, as well as a 4% improvement from December, and a 7% improvement from this time last year!  

• All 11 buildings improved their attendance as compared to December of 2024. 
• All 11 buildings improved their attendance as compared to January of 2024
• No building had above 20% chronic absenteeism.
• 4 buildings had single digit chronic absenteeism
• We narrowed the difference between SEP and the state from 5% to 3%.
• Attendance improved for around 300 students as compared to last month.
• Attendance improved for over 500 students as compared to last year

While we are still focusing on narrowing the gap with subgroups, we saw:

• A 4% improvement for students receiving free and reduced lunch
• A 6% improvement for students with individual education plans

We can't control illness, ways of getting to school, alarm clocks, etc., but as buildings have demonstrated, we can create a school environment that is welcoming, productive, and supportive.  We have great teaching at Southeast Polk, and we appreciate your efforts to ensure that more students are able to experience this and advance their learning.  This has been a districtwide effort, and we thank all who are working hard each day to support student attendance.