Taking attendance and monitoring participation is still crucial for identifying whether students are accessing lessons, or if they need supports to overcome barriers to showing up. Especially with today’s significantly high levels of absenteeism, mayors and other elected leaders, school boards and superintendents can signal the importance of school attendance by declaring that September is Attendance Awareness Month. The template below can easily be adapted for state leaders and boards. National and local organizations can also use these template proclamations and disseminate them through their networks.
Template proclamation:
How can city leaders and elected officials improve chronic absence?
- Download the Student Reengagement Fact Sheet.
We were delighted to see proclamations and resolutions issued throughout the country designating September (or the start of school) as Attendance Awareness Month, and committing many localities and states to year round actions to improve attendance and engagement.
Alabama
Alabama State Board of Education – On Aug. 14, 2025, the Board declared September as Attendance Awareness Month. The resolution notes progress in reducing chronic absence, highlights resources like the Alabama Attendance Manual and Literacy Act and calls on schools, families and communities to work together to help every student succeed.
California
Alameda County Office of Education – On Aug. 12, 2025, the Alameda County Board of Education adopted Resolution 2490 declaring September 2025 as Attendance Awareness Month. The resolution emphasizes the link between regular school attendance, academic success and lifelong achievement and encourages schools, families and community partners to work together to reduce chronic absence.
Los Angeles County Office of Education – On Aug 19, 2025 LACOE passed a board resolution proclaiming September 2025 as Attendance Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the importance of regular school attendance for student achievement and well-being. It also encourages schools, families and communities across Los Angeles County to work together to reduce chronic absence.
Pasadena Unified School District – On Aug 28, 2025, the district passed resolution No. 2832 recognizing September as Attendance Awareness Month. The measure acknowledges that consistent attendance is essential for academic success. It calls on educators, parents and local organizations to promote positive attendance practices throughout the district.
Merced County Office of Education – On Aug 18, 2025 the Merced County Office of Education passed an agenda item to approve Resolution No. 2025-25 recognizing September 2025 as School Attendance Awareness Month. The resolution underscores the negative impact of chronic absenteeism on students and schools. It affirms the county’s commitment to raising awareness and supporting strategies that keep students engaged and in class.
Santa Clara County Office of Education – On Aug. 6, 2025, the Santa Clara County Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing September as Attendance Awareness Month. The resolution highlights the importance of attendance for student well-being and academic performance and calls on community organizations to support consistent attendance for all students.
Sausalito Marin City School District – On June 16, 2025, the district approved Resolution No. 23-03 proclaiming September as Attendance Awareness Month, committing to promote positive attendance habits and engage families in supporting daily school participation.
New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Education – Aug 20, 2025: The New Jersey Department of Education broadcasted a statement encouraging recognition of September as Attendance Awareness Month. The message highlighted research from Attendance Works showing that chronic absence—missing 10% or more of school days—undermines student achievement, while also noting New Jersey’s progress in lowering its chronic absence rate.
North Carolina
Hertford County Public Schools – On Aug. 18, 2025, the Board of Education approved a proclamation recognizing September as Attendance Awareness Month. To celebrate, the district is hosting a Spirit Week from Sept. 8–12, inviting students and staff to highlight the importance of showing up every day.
Texas
Killeen Independent School District – Aug 26, 2025, the district passed a board agenda item to consider a resolution recognizing September 2025 as Attendance Awareness Month. The resolution emphasized the role of regular attendance in supporting student learning and achievement. It encouraged collaboration among educators, families and the community to address barriers to consistent attendance.
Zapata County Independent School District – Aug 19, 2025, the district passed a board agenda that shows “Approval of Proclamation for Attendance Awareness Month – September 2025.” The proclamation recognized that chronic absence disrupts learning and places students at risk of falling behind. It called on schools and local partners to promote positive attendance practices throughout the month of September.
Virginia
Loudoun County Public Schools recognized September 2025 as Attendance Awareness Month. The Department of Student Services in Loudoun County requested an Attendance Awareness Month Proclamation on August 12, 2025, which was then adopted by the Loudoun County School Board.
Washington
City of West Richland Government – On Aug. 18, 2025, the city issued a proclamation recognizing September as Attendance Awareness Month. Thank you to the City of West Richland Government for your leadership in bringing community awareness by issuing this proclamation!
City of Kennewick – On Aug 19, 2025, during a regular Kennewick City Council meeting, the council passed a proclamation recognizing September as Attendance Awareness Month. The proclamation theme/message emphasizes the importance of showing up: for school, for work and for one another.