UPDATE: Great Bend High School (GBHS) is intensifying efforts to combat chronic absenteeism, aiming for a 5% reduction this school year. Principal Brock Funke revealed that absenteeism currently stands at 46.6% for the 2024-2025 school year, a slight decrease from 47.7% last year. The clock is ticking as policies implemented this year will be evaluated at the close of the school year to determine their effectiveness.
As students and families face increased accountability, communication has significantly improved. Funke emphasized that students are now more aware of attendance expectations. Families receive warning letters after a certain number of absences, with excused reasons ranging from illness to pre-approved absences. Notably, students must provide a doctor’s note after three consecutive sick days to return to school.
GBHS has established strict attendance protocols. Students can miss up to 16 days, both excused and unexcused, throughout the school year. Consequences for exceeding this limit include mandatory summer school and disqualification from attending Hollyball or participating in internships. If a student misses eight or more days in the first semester, they lose access to privileges such as job shadowing or attending Barton Community College classes.
In a bold move to promote accountability, Funke announced that students missing fewer than six days will be exempt from midterms, while those with fewer than 14 days off will skip finals, barring any failing grades. This initiative aims to not only enhance attendance but also improve state assessment test scores, where GBHS currently lags six to seven points behind the state average.
Funke highlighted the importance of student engagement in this initiative, stating, “If kids know the reason it’s important, they’re going to perform.” Plans for an awareness campaign are in motion, including potential recognition and rewards for students who demonstrate responsible attendance. The goal is to foster a culture of success, with input from alumni like Ty Cobb who are keen on supporting these initiatives.
As the school year progresses, the community watches closely. Will these strategies yield the desired results by the end of the school year? The urgency of addressing chronic absenteeism cannot be understated, as it directly impacts student performance and future opportunities.
Stay tuned for updates on GBHS’s progress in this critical battle against absenteeism. The stakes are high, and the community’s involvement is crucial for success.