By Mark McQueen, Superintendent
At Bay District Schools, we are incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment of our students, families, and staff. Thanks to these collective efforts, our district maintains an impressive 92% average daily attendance—a testament to the value our community places on education. However, despite this success, we remain deeply concerned that 20% of our students have already met the definition of being truant or chronically absent this school year.
Attendance matters. When students are in school, they learn, grow, and prepare for success. Research shows that students who attend school regularly perform better academically, build stronger social connections, and develop the discipline and habits that lead to lifelong achievement. Missing just two days a month—even in the early years—can add up quickly and put students at risk of falling behind.
Of course, we understand that illness happens, and sick children should stay home to recover. But for all other absences, we encourage families to prioritize school attendance and help students build the habit of showing up daily. March is a critical month for student learning as we head into state testing windows in April and May. Every lesson, every assignment, and every opportunity to engage in the classroom helps prepare students for success on these important assessments and beyond.
That’s why we are launching the #MarchIntoSuccess initiative—to remind families that showing up today paves the way for success tomorrow. We encourage parents to check attendance regularly, communicate with teachers when challenges arise, and emphasize the importance of being in school daily. Together, we can put the “A” back in Bay by ensuring our students have the best possible foundation for learning and achievement.
Let’s make March count—#MarchIntoSuccess starts now!
