By Dr. Bob Jordan, WPSB Chief Technology Officer

When students are present at school, they are being prepared for life. Each day in class represents an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. That’s why the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has launched a statewide attendance initiative called The Power of Presence, focused on improving student attendance across every parish in the state.

The LDOE’s Power of Presence strategy provides a framework for schools and communities to work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. The state encourages districts to use a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to address school attendance. The tiers are defined below and are used in conjunction with each other throughout the school year. 

• Tier 1: Proactive strategies that promote good attendance for all students — clear communication, recognition programs, and positive school climate. This tier includes all students enrolled in our schools. 

• Tier 2: Early intervention for students with attendance concerns — personal check-ins, family meetings, or mentorship connections. This tier includes students whose attendance data indicates they are in danger of being considered chronically absent or truant. 

• Tier 3: Comprehensive intervention for chronic or habitual absences — individualized attendance plans and community support services. This tier includes students who have become chronically absent or truant. The statewide strategy reminds us that being present is the foundation of student achievement.

Winn Parish attendance rates have been identified by the state as an area of moderate concern— not a crisis, but a call to action for schools to strengthen what’s already working and focus on what needs attention. Principals at Winn Parish schools have designated a “school attendance liaison. Our school liaisons meet monthly to review attendance data, identify at-risk students, and coordinate outreach to families. At the district level, the Winn Parish Attendance Team is aligning policies and data reporting with the state’s new requirements, ensuring that absences are identified quickly and families receive timely communication. The district is also implementing clear procedures for third and fifth unexcused absences, as outlined in state guidelines.

Parents and guardians are the heart of this effort. Every time a child attends school, it sends a message: “Your education matters.” Families can help by:

• Setting consistent routines for bedtime and mornings.

• Scheduling appointments outside school hours when possible.

• Communicating early with the school about absences.

• Encouraging children to view attendance as part of their personal responsibility and pride.

When families make attendance a shared priority, students feel supported and accountable. Even small steps—like checking in about their day or celebrating a perfect week of attendance—show children that school is a family value. Working together, parents and schools can build habits of presence that last a lifetime.

Research shows that chronic absenteeism — missing 10% or more of school days — affects every part of a child’s learning journey, from early reading to high school graduation and Winn Parish has both the challenge and the capacity to make measurable progress. Winn Parish is full of dedicated educators, families, and partners who believe in the potential of every child. By working together — with presence, persistence, and purpose — we can ensure that every student in Winn Parish is here, learning, and thriving.