Two in five Chicago students are chronically absent.
Each student, though, has different reasons for missing class. For some, the barrier is transportation. For others, it’s feelings of anxiety or a lack of community engagement.
In CIS of Chicago CEO Jane Mentzinger’s letter to the editor, published in the Chicago Tribune, she explores a powerful solution to chronic absenteeism that has stood the test of time – positive, meaningful relationships. Because when a caring adult builds a relationship with a young person, they can work to understand the complexities that are keeping them from school and connect them with the resources and support they need.
As we look to this school year, how can Chicago change that 2-in-5 statistic? How can we make sure that more students come to the school, ready to learn?
More adults, everyday Chicagoans, can build those powerful, one-on-one relationships with young people.
