Find It Fast

 We want all our students to succeed in the classroom and beyond. But you can’t succeed if you don’t show up!  

Attendance is one of the best predictors of student success. Unfortunately, across our nation, state, and District, too many students are struggling to succeed because of chronic absenteeism.

SHOW UP FOR GREATNESS

At Memphis-Shelby County Schools, we know that when students show up, they grow. Consistent attendance not only improves academic outcomes but also strengthens social, emotional, and future success. That’s why we are launching “Show Up for Greatness”, a district-wide initiative that celebrates and supports students for being present, engaged, and ready to learn.

Why Attendance Matters

Students who are in class every day are more likely to achieve higher grades, build stronger learning habits, and develop the confidence they need to succeed. Missing too many days, whether excused or unexcused, interrupts that growth and puts students at risk of falling behind.

Even one absence every two weeks adds up to nearly four weeks of missed instruction in a year. Over a child’s school career, that can equal more than a year of lost learning

Recognition Tiers

To encourage consistent attendance, students will be celebrated every 20 days based on their attendance record:

• Gold: 96% attendance or higher
• Silver: 91% to 95% attendance
• Bronze: 90% attendance or less

This recognition is designed to motivate students, while also identifying who may need additional support to improve.

Truancy vs. Chronic Absenteeism

• Chronic absenteeism includes all absences, excused and unexcused. A Tennessee student is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of instructional days (about 18 days in a school year).
• Truancy refers only to unexcused absences. A student is truant if they accrue five or more unexcused absences. 
   

We Are Here to Support You

MSCS is committed to partnering with families to reduce absenteeism. When students struggle to attend school, we connect families with community resources like food support, healthcare, and more. Our attendance liaisons and school staff are here to help every student show up, succeed, and thrive. 
 

Law & Consequences

According to Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-3001, all Tennessee children ages 6 through 17 are required to attend school. This section of the code requires districts to enforce compulsory attendance laws using various methods, up to and including referral to juvenile court. Juvenile court judges may also penalize parents based on their child’s truancy.     
 

How to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism & Truancy

Our most important partnership is the one we, as a K-12 school district, share with our students and families. Over the previous school years, we have spent a great deal of time examining how we address matters of attendance and truancy. We have taken steps to be more intentional in our work and implemented methods to provide additional support to families experiencing issues impacting their child’s attendance. Please review our updates and see how you can support this effort.