Lincoln High School has devised an innovative approach to address a persistent challenge: low attendance rates. With a focus on raising attendance rates, the administration has implemented a unique strategy that merges friendly rivalry with the opportunity to earn rewards.
The grade that achieves the highest attendance percentage each week will be granted the chance to participate in a “Minute to Win It” game during advisory periods. Students will engage in rapid-fire challenges, competing for prizes that remain undisclosed by the school. The element of surprise regarding the rewards has already generated considerable enthusiasm and intrigue among the student body.
“We wanted to make attendance something students actually think about,” said Assistant Principal Nicole Lanni. “When you tell kids they might win something fun and exciting, it grabs their attention. And the best part is, they’ll show up for class, which is what we need.”
The school is now displaying the weekly attendance rankings prominently near the cafeteria, a key gathering place for students.
The attendance standings get refreshed every Friday, and this week, things are really close. The ninth and eleventh grades are neck and neck for the top spot, each boasting a 96 percent attendance rate. Since the beginning of the school year, both grades have worked hard to keep their attendance up, encouraging their friends to show up to school in hopes of winning those intriguing prizes. The sophomores sit at 93 percent attendance, while the seniors trail at 90 percent.
LHS’s new initiative comes after a particularly rough year for attendance. In 2023, the school experienced its lowest attendance rates in years, a situation that many schools across the country faced as they worked to bounce back from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration noticed a big decline in student involvement, with a lot of students having a hard time getting back into regular routines.
“When students miss two days of school each month, that adds up to 20 days a year,” explained Ms. Lanni. “By the time they graduate, that’s over a month of school missed. That translates to 30 hours of math, 60 hours of reading and writing, and ultimately, more than a year of school lost. We can’t allow that to happen.”
The school’s initiatives to improve attendance have been received positively, especially since attendance is crucial for both academic achievement and weekly competitions. For Lincoln High, attendance figures are not just statistics—they represent an opportunity to foster school spirit while tackling a significant challenge.
¨It’s a cool way to try and make students go to school and it’s definitely working,” said junior Finley Stebenne.
As Spirit Week gets closer, the rivalry is likely to intensify. Students are eagerly checking the weekly rankings, and the mystery prize is adding to the excitement. Lincoln High is optimistic that this new initiative will not only boost attendance but also create a more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone at school.
