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 issued throughout the country designating September (or the start of school) as Attendance Awareness Month.
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.
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.
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.