The Grande Prairie Public School Division is encouraging students to finish off the school year with strong attendance.
Director of Student Support at the school division, Jill Burgess says that High School students are nearing exam season, however students from K-8 still have nearly less than two months remaining.
Burgess said that the division still wants students to be showing up to class, even at this point of the year to help build onto the next school year.
“We want to continue to experience at school, the things that provide students routines, provide them experiences, provide them the academic growth that is still happening in May and June,” Burgess said.
While Grande Prairie has had nice weather recently, it can be tempting for kids to be outside and not in the classroom.
“I think [attendance] is important all year long, I recognize that at certain point’s of the year it can be more difficult. But it’s important no matter what time of year.”
Burgess has been with the school board for nearly 22 years. She says that during her time, she has noticed improvements in attendance once school staff connect with the students, or their parents.
“I think what we are seeing is a larger need to really work with parents and students to identify the barriers that exist towards positive school attendance. I think the reasons for those barriers and what those barriers are so unique to each family.”
“When we connect school staff with students, we see an improvement in attendance.”
Last day of school for the division is set for June 23rd.
