Starkville Hosts School Attendance Community Forum

News Summary

The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District is organizing a School Attendance Community Forum on February 6. The event aims to address chronic absenteeism and educate attendees on the significance of regular school attendance. With discussions featuring district administrators, law enforcement, and local community members, the forum will also include performances by the Starkville High School Gospel Choir and appearances by Mississippi State Football players. This event is an important step towards improving student attendance and community engagement.

Starkville Gears Up for School Attendance Community Forum

In the heart of Starkville, excitement is building as the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District gets ready to host an engaging School Attendance Community Forum. Scheduled for Thursday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m., this event promises to be a lively evening filled with valuable insights on a critical issue affecting local students—chronic absenteeism. The forum will convene at the Greensboro Auditorium, a bustling hub for community happenings.

Join the Conversation

At this essential community forum, attendees can expect lively discussions led by district administrators and joined by representatives from law enforcement, child protective services, youth court, and local churches. The aim is clear: to highlight the importance of school attendance as a cornerstone for effective student learning. Parents, guardians, and students will have a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the challenges and impacts linked to chronic absenteeism and truancy.

Live Performances and Special Guests

To make the evening even more special, the Starkville High School Gospel Choir will grace the stage with a captivating performance, adding a touch of musical flair to the event. Additionally, local sports fans will be thrilled to hear that members of the Mississippi State Football team will be present to mingle with families, sign autographs, and share their own messages about the value of education and consistent school attendance. As an extra treat, there will even be door prizes up for grabs, adding an element of fun to the evening’s purpose.

Understanding the Underlying Issues

The forum aims to reach deeper than just statistics. Attendees will view a video featuring MSU men’s and women’s basketball players discussing the critical significance of attending school regularly. One of the highlights will be a talk from Isaac Smith, an MSU Football player and Connerly Trophy nominee, who is set to share an inspiring message centered around school attendance. This initiative aims to resonate with both parents and students, shedding light on how school attendance affects not just individual families, but the entire community.

A Broader Community Perspective

As community members come together, they will participate in a panel discussion that dives into several pressing topics, including the consequences of truancy and the widespread impacts of absenteeism. Panelists include Judge Leigh Ann Turner, representatives from Child Protective Services, Reverend Dr. Ronnie Tucker, and police liaison officers. This collaboration is designed to educate and inform the public about the very real ramifications absenteeism can have on students’ futures.

Statistics That Matter

Statistics from the Mississippi Department of Education point out a concerning fact: missing just two days of school each month can lead to chronic absenteeism. This type of absenteeism can add up to missing a whopping 10% of the academic year, significantly impacting academic achievement and the likelihood of graduation. It’s a problem that the district, under the leadership of Dr. Vernita Wilson, is eager to address, emphasizing that improved attendance is a priority for the betterment of the students.

Additional Support for Families

The Starkville Oktibbeha district is also dedicated to supporting families facing challenges. Anna Guntharp, the SOCSD Assistant Superintendent for Federal Programs, indicates that students from high-poverty areas are more likely to be chronically absent. To combat this, the District’s Discovery Center is stepping up with resources tailored for homeless or displaced students, job training for parents, and helpful parenting workshops.

Mark Your Calendar!

This open invitation is extended to the public. Parents, students, and community members are encouraged to attend this significant forum on school attendance. It’s an important conversation that could have lasting impacts on the local educational landscape. For more information or inquiries, interested individuals can reach out to Haley Montgomery via email or by calling 662.615.0021.

Don’t miss out—come join the conversation, get involved, and help shape the future of education in Starkville!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

School Attendance Community Forum in Starkville

Additional Resources

• Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District Forum
• Cdispatch: Reducing Truancy
• Mississippi Scoreboard: Starkville & Tupelo Showdown
• Wikipedia: Chronic Absenteeism
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education