10 schools named “Attendance All-Stars" honored with golden basketballs signed by 2024 World Champion Boston Celtics; Events highlight state’s “Your Presence is Powerful” campaign

Boston - On September 23, 2024, Governor Maura Healey was joined by Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, DESE Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Superintendent of Boston Public Schools Mary Skipper and other state and local officials to deliver a signed Celtics basketball to the Hugh Roe O’Donnell Elementary School in East Boston. The golden basketball is one of 10 donated by the Celtics and signed by the 2024 World Champion team to celebrate the Massachusetts schools that have had the greatest drop in chronic absenteeism.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has been visiting the 2024 Attendance All-Stars schools across the state throughout the summer and fall to drop off the basketballs. The schools have reduced their respective chronic absenteeism rates by 19 percentage points on average between March 2023 and March 2024. The chronic absenteeism rate is defined as the percent of students who missed 10 percent or more of the school year, or at least 18 days.

“What a positive way to start the new school year – taking a moment to celebrate these 10 schools for doing the hard work and drastically reducing chronic absenteeism rates in such a short period of time,” said Governor Healey. “We know how important school attendance is for learning, socialization, access to healthy food and so much more. It takes a lot of effort from everybody – families, principals, teachers, guidance counselors, support staff – and these communities are proof that hard work pays off.”

“Reducing chronic absenteeism has been a focus for our administration and will continue again this year,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “While we still have a ways to go, attendance has improved, and with help from the Celtics, we can celebrate these gains while also continuing the work in this area.”

“Good things happen when you show up, no more so than students in school! The Celtics feel privileged to help lift the importance of daily attendance and recognize schools who are making strides in that regard,” said Senior Vice President of Community Engagement for the Boston Celtics David Hoffman.

These 2024 Attendance All-Stars are examples of the administration’s continued efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and help students consistently attend school, where they have access to a variety of resources, including universal free school meals and mental health supports. The administration last month launched the “Your Presence is Powerful” campaign to emphasize the importance of attending school. DESE is asking students, school staff, educators, and?families in Massachusetts public pre-K-12 schools and adult learning classes to submit a creative piece?of artwork, music, photography, videography, or writing to express why they attend school. Submissions are due by December 20, 2024.

“We are starting the school year strong and today’s event highlights how it takes the whole community together to address chronic absenteeism – and to celebrate the hard work of our schools and progress we are making. We know we have a way to go, but I am encouraged by the positive steps forward and the dedication of teachers, counselors, school leadership, families and so many more bringing joy to going to school,” said Secretary Tutwiler. 

“Improving student attendance is truly a collaboration between schools and families, and it’s wonderful to celebrate these 10 schools with the help of partners like the Celtics,” said Acting Commissioner Johnston. “Each of these school communities should be proud of the work they’ve done to support their students.”

The 2024 Attendance All-Stars schools (drop-in chronic absenteeism rate in percentage points):

- Royalston Community School, Athol-Royalston Regional School District: 20.2
- Bryn Mawr Elementary School, Auburn Public Schools: 17.7
- Pakachoag Elementary School, Auburn Public Schools: 19.3
- Hugh Roe O’Donnell Elementary School, Boston Public Schools: 18.7
- Lillie B. Merrill Elementary School (in Raynham), Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District: 18.6
- James Tansey Elementary School, Fall River Public Schools: 21.6
- MLK Jr. Charter School of Excellence (in Springfield): 21.6
- Colegrove Park Elementary School, North Adams Public Schools: 18.0
- Shutesbury Elementary School, Shutesbury Public Schools: 19.3
- Anne T. Dunphy School, Williamsburg School District: 18.7

“Across our district we are seeing a decline in chronic absenteeism, and we continue to push for even more progress,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “At a time when other districts in states across the country are seeing a rise in absenteeism, I am so proud to know that our efforts here in Massachusetts are yielding positive results in these schools. The classroom is one of the most important spaces in a young person’s life, and as a mom I’m so grateful for these efforts that help us get every single one of them back in school.”

"We prioritize good attendance and support initiatives across our district to reduce chronic absenteeism so students can learn and reach their full potential," said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. "I am so proud of the O'Donnell school community for working together to create a welcoming, inclusive environment that fosters joy and belonging and celebrates learning. Thanks to efforts like this, we are seeing real progress. The O'Donnell is one of the top 10 schools in the state for reducing chronic absenteeism and our numbers have decreased districtwide for the second year in a row."

"Everyone at the O'Donnell Elementary School plays an active role in our work to reduce chronic absenteeism," said Principal Emily Sproviero. "Our dedicated staff recognize and celebrate students' strong attendance while making them feel welcome and appreciated. Our incredible families are true partners and ensure our brilliant students come to school every day ready to learn. Schools cannot do this work alone. Every O'Donnell community member has contributed to our progress. We look forward to continuing to work together to build on our shared success."

"I am honored to join Governor Healey, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, and Mayor Wu at Hugh Roe O’Donnell Elementary School to celebrate the significant strides we are making in reducing chronic absenteeism. Attendance is crucial for our students’ success, said State Senator Lydia Edwards. "I applaud the dedication of the Celtics Foundation and all the schools involved in this important initiative. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children.”

"Regular school attendance is associated with positive life outcomes,” said Representative Adrian Madaro . “I’m proud of the O’Donnell School for giving students and families the tools and encouragement to consistently attend school so that our community can thrive.”

To determine the top 10 schools, DESE looked at schools with at least 100 students and those where the chronic absenteeism rate was less than 20 percent (the statewide rate) as of March 1, 2024. Within that group of schools, DESE reviewed the difference in chronic absenteeism rates between March 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024. 

While chronic absenteeism continues to affect schools throughout the country, including in Massachusetts, the state is making progress with the statewide rate decreasing 5 percentage points from 24.5 percent in March 2023 to 19.6 percent in March 2024. That is also a nearly 10 percentage point decrease from March 2022.