News Release: January 11, 2024
Putnam City Schools Launches Districtwide Attendance Awareness Initiative: “Be Present. Be Bold.”
Putnam City Schools is proud to announce the launch of a new student attendance awareness initiative, “Be Present. Be Bold.,” which is aimed at promoting regular school attendance and fostering a culture of engagement across the District. The initiative is complemented by the recent approval of an updated attendance district policy by the Putnam City School Board on January 8, 2024.
It is not breaking news that student attendance issues have severely affected schools nationwide with chronic absenteeism estimated to have doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we believe the time is now to reestablish the foundation with an updated policy as well as innovate together with our students, staff, families, and community to form new habits and affect positive change regarding attendance. By recognizing the pivotal role that consistent attendance plays in well-rounded student growth and overall success, the “Be Present. Be Bold.” initiative is being rolled out districtwide to prioritize and celebrate regular school attendance.
The Districtwide attendance strategy consists of three components: updated district policy, increased and innovative communications, and highlighting and reinforcing the already established fantastic school initiatives taking place across our District. As part of the communications component, notable Putnam City alumni have helped by providing quotes for large posters that will be displayed in every school. Honorable Heather Mendoza Coyle, Oklahoma County District Judge and Putnam City Class of 1992, said, “Dream big, reach for the stars, no one can take your education away from you. Putnam City…inspired me to follow MY dream of becoming a District Judge.” OKC Mayor David Holt (class of 1976) said, “Whatever your dreams, the doors to a Putnam City school are the doors to a future without limits.” Additional alumni that participated include, Simple Modern CEO Mike Beckham, OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr., NFL Hall of Famer Steve Largent, former OKC Mayor Mick Cornett, and more!
Overall, the “Be Present. Be Bold.” initiative, combined with our updated attendance district policy, reinforces our commitment to providing a supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially, paving the way to a bolder future. Putnam City Schools encourages our students, families, and community members to join the efforts to “Be Present. Be Bold.” and make a collective effort to prioritize student attendance and celebrate the academic and personal achievements that follow.
For more information and to read the updated policy, please visit our new attendance webpage at: https://www.putnamcityschools.org/page/attendance