Let’s face it: no one message is going to magically fix chronic absenteeism.

But the right message—sent at the right time, in the right tone—can be the spark that gets a student back in the door.

This edition of the Family Engagement Lab is all about how school leaders are rethinking communication to help improve end-of-the-year attendance—and how ClassDojo is becoming their favorite tool to do it.

Message with intention, not just information

Here’s the thing: when a family gets a generic message like: “Your child was absent today. Please call the office.”

… it feels cold. Transactional. Like something you’d get from your dentist.

But when the message sounds like:

“We missed Alex in science today—he asked such a great question yesterday, and I wanted to share how we built on it.”

It shifts everything.

Now it’s not a notification. It’s a connection.

Attendance ideas from the Dojo Community

Here are a few creative ways districts are using ClassDojo to encourage better attendance by building deeper relationships:

“We Miss You” check-ins from the classroom

Some elementary teachers send voice messages or photos from class activities when a student is absent. It’s a gentle, joyful nudge that says, “You belong here.”

Try This: Have teachers share a “we missed you moment” in Class Story when a student is out. In just 20 seconds you can transform the mundane into meaningful.

Celebrate consistency, not just perfection

One district uses ClassDojo to recognize students who improved attendance week-to-week—not just those with perfect records. They share progress stickers and mini shoutouts with families.

Result? Increased motivation + a Friday donut party from the principal = smiles all around.

“Mojo Mondays” = fresh start reminders

Every Monday morning, families receive a friendly ClassDojo message like:

“New week = new opportunities. Let’s make it a great one—we’re cheering you on!”

It’s part motivation, part rhythm-setting—and it helps build a culture where attendance isn’t just expected, it’s encouraged.

What’s the secret ingredient?

It’s not just sending messages.

It’s making communication personal, consistent, and rooted in care. ClassDojo gives district leaders and educators an easy way to do that—with real-time tools, classroom stories, and quick touchpoints that matter.

So if attendance is a priority in your district this spring, remember:

The message is just the medium. Building connection is the magic.

👉Want more creative ideas to improve attendance and family engagement? Sign up for the District Essential for timely, tested tips and tactics to help you create cultures of connectedness in your district, schools, and classrooms.