95% to Thrive: Building a Culture of Attendance Across Fulton County Schools

 

As students return to classrooms across Fulton County Schools, a districtwide effort is emphasizing one of the most important factors in student success: being present. Through the “95% to Thrive” attendance campaign, schools across the district are encouraging students and families to make daily attendance a priority and recognize the lasting impact it has on learning, engagement, and achievement.

The campaign promotes a simple goal: students should attend school at least 95% of the time throughout the year, which equates to no more than eight absences. While the message is straightforward, its impact can be significant.

“By setting clear expectations early, the "95% to Thrive" campaign helps students internalize that showing up is a key part of being successful throughout their educational journey,” Heards Ferry Elementary School Principal Tara Uremovich said.

Across the district, schools introduced the initiative through family communications, classroom discussions, morning announcements, social media, and school events. The campaign is designed not only to raise awareness but also to help families understand the connection between attendance and academic growth.

At FCS Innovation Academy, students put that message into motion. According to Curriculum Assistant Principal Jessica Lundy Barksdale, the school had its highest attendance rate yet and fewest number of absences for the first week.

“Not only were students in class and immediately engaged in active learning, but families were very communicative about enrollments, transfers, and circumstances outside of school,” Barksdale said. “It was a solid start for a great school year!”

Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to stay on track academically, develop strong relationships with peers and teachers, and participate fully in the school experience.

“Even a small number of missed days can disrupt learning momentum, especially in elementary grades where foundational skills build quickly,” Uremovich affirmed.

Kicking “95% to Thrive” into high gear, schools incorporated the "5 to Thrive" incentive to reward students who showed up the first five days of the school year. For each day they were present, the eager learners received a ticket for a drawing on the fifth day for prizes that included gift cards, coupons, vouchers, and other coveted items.

To keep students looking forward to attending each day, the first week also featured the following daily themes:

• Aug. 3rd: School Colors
• Aug. 4th: Silly Socks
• Aug 5th: Kindness Day
• Aug 6th: Go Fulton Green
• Aug 7th: Sport your Team

“The incentives offered were meaningful to our students, generating excitement and encouraging participation throughout the campaign,” Westlake High School Principal Miranda Freeman asserted. “We sincerely appreciate the district’s commitment to supporting attendance efforts and investing in incentives that motivate students to be present, engaged, and ready to learn each day.”

Two more '5 to Thrive' weeks are scheduled for September 28th - October 2nd and February 22nd - 24^th. These time frames coincide with the district's Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) counts for Fall and Spring.

For some households, attendance challenges are inevitable but not impossible to overcome. That’s why this campaign reinforces the district’s commitment to partnering with families and providing support when barriers arise.

“We actively promote the importance of daily attendance through positive incentives, family partnerships, and ongoing communication with students and families,” Stonewall Tell Elementary School principal Nikki Porter stated. “We are proud to support a culture where attendance matters and every day counts," she pledged.

Through the 95% to Thrive campaign, Fulton County Schools is fortifying a shared vision among schools, families, and students: every day in school matters. By prioritizing attendance, the district is helping ensure that every student can learn, grow, and thrive throughout the school year and beyond.