Dallas ISD’s Gabe P. Allen Charter School celebrated the first week of School Attendance Awareness Month with a special celebration on the school’s playground.
Principal Sheila Ortiz Espinell congratulated students on their hard work last year. The campus met state testing standards and earned one distinction in science. However, she said, the school came close to earning all possible distinctions but fell just short and just barely because of attendance – even though attendance was high.
Dr. Sara Johnson of the district’s Attendance Improvement and Truancy Reduction department presented an award for outstanding attendance compliance in 2017-2018.
Brill Garrett, wife of Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett and a strong supporter of the school, offered words of encouragement for students to strive to attend school every day.
A districtwide effort highlighted in September but lasting all year challenges students to “Show Up” and strive to have fewer than five absences during the year.
During this month, campuses with the highest attendance are eligible for prizes. Students and schools are encouraged to also promote school attendance on social media using the hashtag #ShowUpDallasISD. Posts with high engagement during the month are also eligible for prizes. Find details on this webpage.
