CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- Regular school attendance is essential for students to gain the academic and social skills they need to thrive. Jefferson County Schools students recently shared this message through an ongoing public awareness campaign entitled Attendance Matters: All Day, Every Day. The contest kicked off in September as part of Attendance Awareness Month.
"We wanted to show students and families that being in school is important," JCS Attendance Coordinator Devon Pearrell said.
As part of the campaign, students submitted original artwork for the district-wide JCS Attendance Matters Poster Contest. The six winning entries included two submissions each at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Contest winners included Hector Martinez (5th Grade, North Jefferson Elementary) and Gabriel Espinoza Bolanos (5th Grade, JVA) at the elementary level; Gabrielle Orr (6th Grade, Shepherdstown Middle School) and Melody White (6th Grade, JVA) at the middle school level; and Kaylee Laird-Neal (11th Grade, Washington High School) and Xavier Gonzalez (11th Grade, JVA) at the high school level.
The six JCS students were recognized at the Jefferson County Board of Education meeting on November 13, with 23rd Judicial Circuit Judge David Hammer in attendance to offer his congratulations. Judge Hammer reiterated that showing up for school is critical for future success.
"Attendance matters in school, obviously, but 'being there' also matters," Judge Hammer said. "[It matters] to friends, loved ones, and our communities when and where people need help. I hope all the participants carry this message throughout their lives. If they 'attend' to life, they will change the world!"
Judge Hammer works closely with JCS to ensure that students and families are diligent about maintaining good attendance. Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers in Charles Town also supported the district’s attendance awareness campaign by presenting a $100 gift card to each contest winner. Attorney Stephen Skinner said the community is obligated to step up and make education a priority.
“We are honored to be a part of the Attendance Matters initiative by Jefferson County Schools,” said Skinner. “A key to success in both school and life lies in consistent effort and active participation by being present and ready to learn. By promoting student engagement and artistic expression, we aim to inspire students and families to prioritize attendance and help cultivate a positive learning environment for all.”
Students at schools across the district participated in the JCS Attendance Matters Poster Contest, which saw nearly 30 finalists. Visit www.jcswv.org/attendance to view the finalists and winning entries.