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Attendance

Fall-themed Columbus City Schools “Strive for 5” attendance challenge graphic featuring colorful autumn leaves. Text reads, “Fall Into Great Attendance! Attendance Challenge | Sept. 28 – Oct. 23,” alongside the CCS and Strive for 5 logos.

OCTOBER 2026:
Fall Into Great Attendance! - CCS Strive for 5!

Attendance Challenge | September 28 - October 23


Winners Announced: October 30

FAMILY CHALLENGE ACTIVITIES & CONNECTIONS

Check with your child’s school for details.

Why Families Matter

Fall is a great time to strengthen the routines that help students arrive at school every day and on time. Families can help students “Fall Into Great Attendance” by planning ahead, tracking progress, staying connected with school, and celebrating consistent attendance. Every minute counts—and every fresh start matters.

Click here to learn more about Whole-Child Supports.

STRIVE FOR 5!
FAMILY REMINDERS

  • Fall Into Great Attendance—show up and be on time.
  • Showing up matters. Every minute counts.
  • Track missed days and celebrate strong attendance habits.
  • If your child is struggling to attend, connect with the school early so the team can help.
  • October challenge: September 28 - October 23.
  • Winners announced October 30.
  • Use #CCSStriveFor5 and #StayInTheGame to share the energy.

Elementary Schools

Fall Into Great Attendance:
Five Ways Families Can Help

Elementary students thrive when families make attendance routines simple, positive, and predictable. Use the fall theme to help your child see showing up as something the whole family can support and celebrate.

AT HOME:
  • Create a “Fall Into Five” Attendance Streak
    Mark each day your child is present and on time with a leaf, sticker, checkmark, or magnet. Celebrate each five-day streak and start a new one the following week.
  • Build a Night-Before Routine
    Pack backpacks, choose clothes, check transportation, and prepare school items before bedtime. A smoother evening can make the morning easier.
  • Make On-Time Attendance the Goal
    Talk about why arriving on time matters. Choose a family target for getting out the door and recognize mornings when everyone is ready on schedule.
  • Track Missed Days Together
    Use a calendar or attendance tracker so your child can see their progress. If a day is missed, focus on returning, reconnecting, and starting a new streak.
  • Stay Connected and Ask for Help Early
    Check in with your child’s teacher or school when attendance challenges arise. Transportation, health, family routines, or other barriers are easier to address when the school team knows early.
  • Family Conversation Starters:
    • What helps you feel ready to go to school in the morning?
    • What is one thing you would miss if you were not at school today?
    • What can we do tonight to make tomorrow morning easier?
    • Who at school can help you if you are having a hard day?
  • Try This Family Celebration:
    Create a “Fall Five” celebration when your child completes five consecutive school days present and on time. Keep it simple: choose dinner, pick the family movie, take a fall walk, play a favorite game, or select another no-cost/low-cost family privilege.

Middle & High Schools

Fall Into Great Attendance:
Connect Today's Attendance to Tomorrow's Goals

Secondary students are developing greater independence, but family involvement still matters. Help your student connect consistent and on-time attendance to grades, credits, activities, athletics, graduation, college, career, work, and other goals that matter to them.

AT HOME:
  • Set a Weekly Attendance Check-In
    Once a week, review attendance together. Ask what went well, what made getting to school or arriving on time difficult, and what needs to change for the next week.
  • Plan the Night Before
    Encourage your student to check alarms, transportation, clothing, assignments, school materials, practices, work schedules, and other morning needs before going to bed.
  • Connect Attendance to Their Goals
    Ask what they are working toward this year. Discuss how being present supports grades, credits, eligibility, relationships with teachers, graduation, college, career, and future opportunities.
  • Protect School Time
    When possible, schedule appointments outside school hours and plan vacations during school breaks so students do not miss valuable instructional time.
  • Notice Comebacks, Not Just Perfect Streaks
    Recognize strong weeks, improved on-time arrival, and returning after an absence. One missed day does not mean giving up—come back, reconnect, and keep going.
  • Family Conversation Starters:
    • What is one goal this fall that depends on you being present at school?
    • Is anything making it harder to get to school or arrive on time?
    • What part of your morning routine could we improve together?
    • Who is one adult at school you can connect with when you need support?
  • Try This Family Challenge:
    Choose one attendance goal for the remaining challenge period: arrive on time every day, reduce avoidable absences, improve the night-before routine, or complete a five-day attendance streak. Decide together how your family will recognize progress.
CCS STRIVE FOR 5     |     FALL INTO GREAT ATTENDANCE!     |     SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 23, 2026
Columbus City Schools “Strive for 5!” Attendance Challenge graphic encouraging students to show up five days a week and have fewer than five absences all year.