School Attendance Community Forum in Starkville

News Summary

The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District will host a School Attendance Community Forum on February 6, 2023, at Greensboro Auditorium. This important event will highlight the significance of school attendance, featuring discussions from experts, performances by local talent, and opportunities to win door prizes. Attendees will also gain resources to support families dealing with absenteeism. Community members are encouraged to attend and engage in discussions about improving student attendance.

Exciting Community Forum on School Attendance Coming to Starkville!

Get ready, Starkville! The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) is hosting a School Attendance Community Forum that promises to be informative and engaging. Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 6, at 5:30 p.m. It’s all happening at the cozy Greensboro Auditorium!

Why Attendance Matters

This event aims to shed light on a very important issue: school attendance. Why is it so crucial, you ask? Well, it turns out that consistently attending school is strongly linked to student learning and future success. Chronic absenteeism can have serious consequences for students, families, and our community as a whole. At the forum, you’ll hear from a panel of experts, including district administrators and representatives from law enforcement, child protective services, youth court, and local churches, all discussing just how vital attendance is.

Learn and Enjoy

Apart from tackling serious topics, the forum will also be a celebration of our local talent. Attendees can look forward to some uplifting performances, including selections from the Starkville High School Gospel Choir. And guess what? You’ll also have the chance to meet some incredible athletes from the Mississippi State Football team! They’ll be chatting with students and parents and signing autographs – so make sure to bring your memorabilia!

Door Prizes and More!

As if that wasn’t enough, there will also be door prizes for attendees, adding a bit of excitement to this informative gathering. The SOCSD aims to make this event not only educational but also fun for the entire family!

Star Power and Inspiration

Big names are set to make an appearance, including Isaac Smith, a Mississippi State Football player and Connerly Trophy nominee. He’ll emphasize the importance of school attendance as part of his message to students. Other local favorites, such as Braylon Burnside, are also expected to join the mix, making this event one you won’t want to miss.

Helping Families Understand the Bigger Picture

Providing support is key, and Karen Robinson, the SOCSD Parent Liaison, is dedicated to aiding families dealing with absenteeism. She works tirelessly to secure mentors and support for students and parents alike. Understanding the broader impact of absenteeism is essential, and this forum aims to help parents and children navigate those challenges together. It’s all about building a community that encourages attendance!

The Stats Speak for Themselves

Did you know that just missing two days of school per month can lead to serious problems? According to the Mississippi Department of Education, this adds up to a whopping 10% of the entire school year – and chronic absenteeism can be even more detrimental to students from communities with high poverty levels. On average, those students are four times more likely to be chronically absent!

Resources for Those in Need

The forum won’t just be about discussions. The Discovery Center will be present to provide valuable resources for homeless students and job training opportunities for parents seeking to improve their circumstances. Everyone in the Starkville community is encouraged to come out and take advantage of the wealth of resources available!

Your Invitation Awaits!

This forum is open to the public – yes, that means YOU! Parents and students are highly encouraged to come, participate, and learn more about the importance of consistent school attendance. Don’t miss out on this chance to engage with the community and make a difference!

If you would like more information or have any questions, feel free to reach out to the SOCSD’s Director of Communications, Haley Montgomery. Simply drop an email at hmontgomery@starkvillesd.com or give her a call at 662.615.0021. We can’t wait to see you there!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District Forum Announcement
• Columbus Dispatch: Attendance Officers Shift
• Mississippi Scoreboard: Starkville Vs. Tupelo Review
• Action News 5: High Attendance Rates in Mississippi Schools
• Starkville School District: Secondary Grades Calendar
• Wikipedia: School Attendance
• Google Search: School Attendance Statistics
• Google Scholar: School Attendance Impact
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Education
• Google News: School Attendance Issues