Hattiesburg Public School District implement ways to increase attendance

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Hattiesburg Public School District noticed a recent decline in attendance, specifically from kindergartners and high school seniors.

Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Teresa Poole said, "So what we're trying to do with the younger students is educate their parents about the importance of school. And when they're missing school, educating parents about scheduling doctor appointments first thing in the morning or at the end of the school day. And on the high school level, we're trying to personalize the school day for the students."

Poole said the school district added more dual enrollment and internship opportunities, as well as more electives.

"It's important that we care about our students and where they want to be. We try to support that. And so that we are hoping that in turn, will entice them to be at school more," said Poole.

Poole said the Mississippi Department of Education started an early warning system program to make pre-school children have an easy transition to kindergarten.

The department can determine whether or not a student will graduate high school based on attendance, behavior, and course performance.