School counselor Chrissy Martin urges daily attendance, outlines incentives

Chrissy Martin, a school counselor at Samba Elementary School, told attendees that regular attendance is essential to students’ learning and development. "We need our students here at school every single day," she said, urging families to have children attend when they are feeling well so teachers can deliver planned lessons and students can participate in itinerant classes and classroom activities.

Martin emphasized nonacademic benefits of being present, including socialization and access to a nutritional lunch. She described the school’s attendance incentives—certificates for students and classrooms, a stuffed tiger mascot award, monthly "brag tags," and occasional events such as ice cream parties, nacho parties, glow parties and extra recess—to encourage punctuality and full-day attendance. She closed by encouraging families to ensure children arrive on time and stay the full school day when healthy.