a classroom full of young students sitting at tables and raising there hands along with the teacher at the front

Attendance Awareness Month | Every minute matters, every day counts!

Kansas City Public Schools

September 25, 2026

September is National Attendance Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of showing up every day ready to learn.

At KCPS, we know that regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Students who are repeatedly absent from school are more likely to be suspended, struggle with learning, and not graduate from high school.

When it comes to attendance, 90% is not an A. Students with 90% attendance are missing 20 school days a year. Every minute matters, too—being tardy by even 5-10 minutes a day can add up to nearly 4 days per school year.

Throughout the month, schools are hosting special events, celebrations, and student incentives to encourage strong attendance habits and help students start the year off right.

Tips for parents with elementary and middle schoolers

  • Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

  • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

  • Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up.

  • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

  • If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call your school nurse or health-care provider for advice.

Tips for parents with high schoolers

  • Help your teen understand that school is their first job and timeliness matters.

  • Encourage your teen to turn off their electronics at least 30 minutes before bed.

  • Talk to your teen about their goals, whether that's graduation, sports, work, or future college/career plans, and how attending school now factors into them.

  • Model reliability in your day-to-day life by demonstrating timeliness and commitment.

  • Stay connected with the school and reach out to teachers, counselors, or staff who may be able to connect with your teen about their attendance.

Remember that you have the power to make a difference. Families, staff, and community partners all play an important role in supporting attendance because Every Minute Matters.