At the City of Champaign, we believe that every day a student is in school matters – not just for academic achievement, but for building confidence, opportunity, and a brighter future for our youth and our community.
Student attendance isn’t just an education issue: it’s a community priority. When students show up every day, they’re more likely to succeed academically, build strong social connections, and reach their full potential long into adulthood.
What the “Every Student Everyday” Initiative Means for Champaign
This is why the City of Champaign supports and celebrates the “Every Student Everyday” attendance initiative being championed across our region’s schools. City leadership demonstrated their excitement and commitment to the campaign by appearing in the campaign video, reinforcing the importance of community-wide involvement in supporting student success. Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, City Manager Joan Walls, Police Chief Timothy Tyler, Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy, and Community Relations Manager Tracy Parsons each shared their support, highlighting a unified commitment to ensuring that every student is present and engaged in school every day.
This initiative focuses on:
- Engaging students and families in the importance of daily attendance.
- Reducing barriers that keep students from getting to school.
- Promoting community responsibility for student success.
- Celebrating consistent attendance as a key to lifelong learning and opportunity.
Why Attendance Matters
Research consistently shows that regular school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success:
- Students who attend every day are more likely to keep up academically, mastering essential skills and moving confidently through grade levels.
- Chronic absenteeism – missing 10% or more of school days—can negatively impact achievement, social connections, and future opportunities.
- Showing up daily helps students build habits of responsibility and engagement that benefit them well beyond the classroom.
How the Community Can Support Students
Strong attendance is a community effort! Here’s how Champaign residents—families, neighbors, local businesses, and community organizations—can help:
For Families
- Prioritize attendance and schedule appointments outside school hours when possible.
- Build routines that support timely arrival and full participation.
- Maintain open communication with schools about challenges that may affect attendance.
For Students
- Show up ready to learn and participate.
- Reach out for support if you are facing barriers to attendance.
- Take pride in being in school every day—it matters more than you know!
For the Community
- Encourage positive messages about attendance in everyday conversations.
- Support families and students by connecting them with resources.
- Partner with schools to amplify awareness and community involvement.
Together, we are committed to ensuring that every student in Champaign gets the most out of their education every day of the year.