Laredo Independent School District proclaimed September as Attendance Awareness Month during a ceremony on Monday morning. The proclamation was conducted in the foyer of the LISD Performing Arts Complex Auditorium.
Students, campus principals, assistant principals, attendance officers, and administrators filled the foyer in support of daily student attendance.
LISD Board of Trustees Vice President Rick Garza and Superintendent Dr. Sylvia G. Rios took turns reading the proclamation.
“LISD is committed to focusing on reducing absenteeism and addressing the factors that cause students to miss school so that all children have an equitable opportunity to learn, grow and thrive academically, emotionally, and socially,” Garza said. “We recognize that we must work together to build an engaging school environment that motivates attendance and sends the message that learning can and must continue.”
“Specifically, LISD leads with heart to engage students, families, educators and the broader community – including civic and elected leaders, local businesses and nonprofit organizations to inspire change by working together to identify and remove barriers to getting to school,” Dr. Rios added. “We support growth to develop meaningful solutions that drive results ensuring that all children and youth of this district keep learning despite any and all challenges.”
LISD also welcomed representatives from Burger King who are supporting the District’s attendance awareness campaign. Burger King Marketing Manager Bonnie Najera announced that a Perfect Attendance King and Queen will be selected and recognized on a monthly basis at every LISD campus. Burger King also provided breakfast following the proclamation ceremony.
The L.J. Christen Middle School Band, directed by Jesus Regalado, provided music for the ceremony including the National Anthem. Leading the Pledge of Allegiance were Alessandra Hernandez, Cigarroa High School; John Sosa, Nixon High School; and Julie Martinez, Martin High School.
LISD currently has nearly 21,000 students enrolled in its 30 schools. Daily student attendance averages 95%.
LISD’s attendance efforts are coordinated by LISD Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Operations, Flor Ayala; Israel Castilla, Director for Accountability and Program Compliance; and Cindy Mendiola, Accountability and Program Compliance Department At-Risk Coordinator for Attendance.
For more information, contact the LISD Office of Communications at 956-273-1730 or log on to www.laredoisd.org.