SAM – “School Attendance Matters” Initiative

SAM – “School Attendance Matters” Initiative

Help the local schools by joining the campaign to improve student attendance and combat chronic absenteeism which is a growing problem in schools nationwide.  National rates have increased from 16% in 2019 to 33% in 2022.  Bristol Warren Regional School District is looking to add to the strategies that they have been using to address this issue.  One of the new strategies is the SAM initiative.  Hugh Cole School is hoping to join EBCAP Head Start in the SAM campaign to start the school off with a fun, positive and proactive approach to encouraging school attendance.  If funded, we will purchase t-shirts with the Sam the Sloth logo for each staff member.  All staff members will wear their t-shirts at the Open House in the fall.  Teachers will share information with families at open house on the importance of attendance and the negative effects of chronic absenteeism.   The t-shirts will be used throughout the year at other school events.  Additionally, we are hoping local businesses will print out signs that will be created to correspond with the t-shirts to show their support of this initiative because this issue also affects local businesses.  Absenteeism contributes to high school drop out rates, leaving students without the skills they need to compete in the workforce.
If you would like to donate to this campaign, checks can be made payable to:  Hugh Cole SAM campaign and mailed to 235 High St. 2nd Floor, Bristol, RI  02809.  Donors can have their logo printed on the back of the tshirt.  Funds are needed immediately so we can proceed with the project in time for the beginning of school.
For more information, contact Emily Spence, Family Outreach Coordinator; 401.480.0562; emily.spence@bwrsd.org