Improving attendance is about more than getting students through the school doors. We know – from research and experience – that when students feel connected, valued, safe, and supported, they are more likely to show up, engage in learning, and thrive. 

Beyond Attendance: Building Cultures of Belonging is an interactive virtual workshop designed to guide participants as they explore the powerful connection between belonging and attendance through the lens of the Community Schools Essentials Framework. Together, we'll examine the root causes that often lie beneath chronic absence, including challenges related to relationships, school climate, family engagement, access to supports, and systemic barriers. 

Through practical examples, peer learning, and guided reflection, participants will identify strategies for strengthening belonging, building trusting relationships, and creating the conditions that support belongingness, consistent attendance and, ultimately, student success.