At Jones Middle School, we believe every student, every day, matters.
For the past two years, Jones has maintained a 93% attendance rate. We are proud of that accomplishment, but we know our students are capable of even more. This year, our goal is 96% attendance.
To reach that goal, it will take all of us—students, families, teachers, staff, and our community—working together to make sure students are at school and ready to learn.
Be Great—Miss Less Than 8
Our theme this year is “Be Great—Miss Less Than 8.”
Why eight?
When a student misses more than eight days of school during the year, that student is considered chronically absent. And here is something important to remember: both excused and unexcused absences count toward attendance.
An absence may be excused, but the student is still missing instruction, conversations, activities, and opportunities that happen at school that day.
We understand that students sometimes need to be absent. Illness, family emergencies, appointments, and other situations happen. Our goal is not to make families feel guilty when a student must miss school. Instead, our goal is to encourage families to make attendance a priority whenever possible.
Every day a student is here is another opportunity to learn, connect, participate, and grow.
Attendance Is About More Than Grades
Being at school consistently provides benefits that go far beyond completing assignments.
When students attend school regularly, they have more opportunities to:
Learn important skills and concepts with their teachers.
Ask questions and get help when they need it.
Build strong relationships with teachers and classmates.
Participate in clubs, athletics, performances, and other activities.
Take part in hands-on learning and special events.
Develop confidence and a sense of belonging.
Practice teamwork, responsibility, and communication.
Build routines and habits that will help them succeed in high school and beyond.
Some of the most important learning that happens at Jones cannot simply be made up with a worksheet.
A student who is here gets to be part of the classroom conversation. They get to work with their team. They get to hear the teacher explain something in a different way. They get to participate in the activity, ask a question, laugh with a friend, or discover something new.
You can't participate in what you miss.
Building High School Habits Now
Middle school is an important time for students to develop the habits they will carry into high school.
High school brings more independence, more choices, and greater responsibility. Students who learn to arrive on time, attend regularly, participate in class, complete their work, and stay connected to school are building habits that will serve them well.
That is why attendance at Jones is not just about getting through middle school. We are helping students prepare for their next flight.
Every day of school is another day to practice being responsible, engaged, and ready for what comes next.
Afterschool Counts, Too!
We also want our students to take advantage of the many opportunities available before and after the school day.
Clubs, athletics, academic teams, performances, leadership opportunities, and other activities help students discover interests and talents they may not know they have.
These experiences help students build friendships, confidence, leadership skills, and a stronger connection to their school.
Being at Jones means more than sitting in a classroom from 7:37 to 2:30. It means being part of a school community.
Can We Win Attendance Day?
There is another reason we want everyone to be here soon!
September 9 is Kentucky's State High Attendance Day.
For the past few years, Jones has finished second in the district. Second is great—but wouldn't it be even better to win?
So, Jets, this is our challenge:
Let's ALL be here on September 9!
Start making your plans now. Set the alarm. Get your backpack ready. Get to bed on time. Make September 9 a day when the halls of Jones are full of students ready to learn, connect, and be great.
Families, we need your help. Talk with your student about the importance of attendance. Help establish morning routines. Schedule appointments outside of the school day when possible. Encourage your student to stay connected to school and participate in the opportunities Jones has to offer.
It takes all of us.
Our goal is 96% attendance.
Our challenge is Be Great—Miss Less Than 8.
And our immediate goal is simple:
Be Here. Be Engaged. Be Great.
Let's make September 9 the day Jones Middle School takes the top spot in Boone County!
#JetsRising
#BeGreatMissLessThan8