ATTENDANCE MATTERS

by Superintendent Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

I am please to announce a prominent improvement in student attendance figures at Mission schools this year. With the help of community organizations, the teachers, the staff, the Parent Teacher Organization and the Indian Education Committee the message that "Attendance Matters" through our "TOP DAWG" initiative has been received by parents and students alike. The percent of students in attendance has significantly improved. All Mission schools average over 98% of our students in attendance this 2012-2013 school year. This is a 5% increase from years past.

PERCENT OF STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE
	2012-2013	2011-2012	2010-2012
HS	98.64%	94.08%	93.19%
MS	98.23%	93.30%	94.12%
ELEM	98.48%	92.41%	93.06%
	98.45%	93.26%	93.46%

As a K-12 District, we will again ask students to CROSS THE LINE to where there is a greater chance to make good things happen (better results, better relationships, more responsibility) by coming to school everyday. This is where they will find those people they admire. Those that choose to commit, work hard, focus and bounce back. On the other side there is a less of a chance. Coming to school everyday is a Declaration of Contribution by students and staff alike.

The TOP DAWG initiative began a year ago. It provides an immediate reward system to improve student attendance and to spark an intrinsic motivation to be present. The initiative encourages students to come to school everyday, finish what they have begun and know that there are people who care and are willing to help them.

We invite the community to join our Top Dawg Celebration of not only attendance, but academic achievement as well . Simply come to the High School Office around 8:45 AM and get a visitor's pass and join us in the gym at our next Top Dawg Assembly on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 9:00 AM.

TOP DAWG SUCCESS - OHhh Yeah!