Going to school every day can be rewarding for students at Featherstone Elementary in Woodbridge, Virginia. Their school holds attendance challenges that enable kids to win prizes—snacks, a pajama day, or even a pet goldfish.
Students missing school too often is a nationwide problem. In 2022, nearly 40 percent of U.S. public schools reported an increase in absences from the previous school year. Research shows that students who miss 15 or more days could be at risk of falling behind. Featherstone and other schools offer rewards to encourage kids to come to school every day.
“We want to ensure that students are on track to be successful,” says Featherstone principal Christina Treadwell. As a result of the attendance challenges, absences at Featherstone were down last school year.
But others think that getting a good education is enough of a reward. They say kids shouldn’t expect prizes for something they’re supposed to do anyway.