United Way kicks off school attendance campaign

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The United Way of Southeast Mississippi of Hattiesburg kick off their attendance awareness campaign Monday.

Staci Cox, Director of Community Impact, said when a child misses 18 days of school they're at risk of not fully understanding academic lessons.

"... so if your child is missing one day a week, your child is chronically absent. And statistically is not going to be able to succeed as much as the students who’s able to attend every single day.” Cox said.

The United Way shared a few tips to get your children to school on time:

• Prepare backpacks, clothes and lunches the night before.

• Create and stick to a regular bed time.

• Create and stick to a regular morning routine.