School District, Read by 4th and iHeartMedia Join Forces for #AttendanceHero Contest

Social Media Initiative Encourages Adults to Share Tips About Getting Students to School On Time Each Day

 PHILADELPHIA — Following solid gains in student attendance in schools across the city, The School District of Philadelphia is joining with Read by 4th and iHeartMedia to encourage families and students to continue this positive trend to ensure students are in school every day and on time through the joint #AttendanceHero initiative.

The campaign consists of a series of radio PSAs and an exciting social media contest where adults age 18 and older are asked to share their tips for getting students to school on time by using #AttendanceHero and #ContestEntry on their social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Four winners, randomly selected by iHeartMedia through January 28, will receive $500 plus a pair of Power 99 concert tickets.

“We know the winter months can make school attendance tough for families,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent. “But when students miss school, they also miss out on the potential to become confident, engaged learners. This is why it is so important to thank and recognize our families and community members who are taking the necessary steps to make sure our students are in school, ready to learn each day.”

Research has long shown that better school attendance can lead to positive academic outcomes for students. Better attendance rates are tied to higher graduation rates and increased college and career readiness, and chronic absence by the middle grades is one of the leading indicators that a student will drop out of high school. In addition, strong attendance is connected to early literacy as reading is typically taught in the morning, so attending school on time each day is particularly critical for young students working to read on grade-level by fourth grade.

“It’s all connected: going to school every day on time, learning how to read, and doing well in school and in life,” said Jenny Bogoni, Executive Director, Read by 4th. “This contest helps keep these connections top-of-mind. My favorite attendance tip that I have heard and now use with my own children is to ‘have a backup plan to your backup plan.’”

As the media sponsor for the #AttendanceHero campaign, Power 99 is helping to curate some of the best tips for strong attendance being shared on social media.

“Our family life is hectic,” said Cappuchino, Power 99 host. “It’s hard to get my daughter out the door on time any day, but especially when it’s cold outside. It helps to know that I’m part of a powerful community of other loving parents doing our part for our children. Power 99 is a proud sponsor of this effort.”

The #AttendanceHero campaign is designed to encourage attendance among students at all schools in the city, including District, charter, parochial and private.

“Attendance is key, especially for our youngest learners who are building habits and confidence to last a lifetime,” said Otis Hackney, Chief Education Officer for The City of Philadelphia. “When our students succeed, our whole city benefits.”

Parent and Alexander McClure School’s Read by 4th Attendance Ambassador Eva Sanchez shared her experience in ensuring her third grade son and his classmates are ready to learn each day

“As parents we all want what is best for our children,” said Sanchez. “We want them to be safe, happy, educated and eventually become responsible and successful adults. The foundation for these goals is a good education, and good education begins with regular attendance.”

More information on the contest can be found here.