The first 20 days of school might not seem like a lot—but they’re everything.
When students show up consistently at the start of the year, they’re more likely to stay on track academically, feel a stronger sense of belonging, and keep building the habits that lead to long-term success. For districts navigating attendance challenges, this early window is a powerful opportunity to reset expectations, engage families, and set a positive tone for the entire year.
So, what can district leaders do to turn the first 20 days into a launchpad for strong attendance all year long? Let’s dig into the data and the strategies.
Why the First 20 Days matter
Research shows that a student’s attendance during the first month of school is a strong predictor of chronic absenteeism later in the year. Missed days in August and September often snowball into disengagement, lower achievement, and widening equity gaps.
Districts that prioritize early attendance:
- Identify and support at-risk students before patterns take hold
- Reinforce the message that every day matters
- Build school-home routines that are easy to maintain
The good news? Districts don’t need flashy programs or big budgets to make an impact. Small, consistent actions—starting on day one—can yield big results.
3 strategies to make early attendance a priority
1. Start with culture, not compliance
The tone you set matters. If families see attendance as a checkbox, they’ll treat it like one. Instead:
- Communicate the why behind attendance in warm, accessible language.
- Use messaging that centers students and community—not threats or penalties.
- Recognize small wins early. Celebrating the first full week of attendance can boost momentum.
Try this: Post a welcome message on Day 1 that says:
“Every day together is a step forward. Let’s make these first 20 days count—for connection, for learning, and for joy.”
2. Empower educators to reach out early
When students miss the first few days, teachers and staff are often the first to notice. Equip them with tools and messaging to reach out with care:
- Use platforms like ClassDojo to send personal check-ins or reminders.
- Create a “welcome back” template message teachers can use for reengagement.
- Encourage positive outreach, not punitive language.
Tip: Teachers who send a quick message to families after the first absence often see improved attendance in the following weeks.
3. Make attendance a whole-school effort
Attendance isn't just the teacher's job. From transportation to front office staff, everyone plays a role in helping students show up.
- Share daily attendance goals with staff and celebrate progress.
- Invite student leaders to be part of the effort—e.g., welcome teams, bulletin boards, or morning announcements.
- Partner with community organizations to remove barriers (childcare, transportation, clothing).
Example: One district launched an “Attendance Olympics” with schoolwide goals, friendly competition, and daily shout-outs for classrooms with perfect attendance.
Make the First 20 count
Attendance is more than a number. It’s a reflection of belonging, of support, and of how well we’ve connected with students and families from the start.
So as the school year begins, let’s not wait for patterns to form. Let’s make strong attendance a shared priority—for the first 20 days and beyond.
Families are your greatest allies in attendance success—but only if they know how much they matter.
Want a shortcut to making this easier?
We’ve got you covered with the Dojo Family Messaging Toolkit—ready-to-use messages and templates that help you build trust and connection, right from day one.
