Great Bend High School Targets 5% Drop in Absenteeism NOW
URGENT UPDATE: Great Bend High School (GBHS) has launched an aggressive initiative to combat chronic absenteeism, aiming for a 5% reduction this school year. Principal Brock Funke announced last week that absenteeism stands at 46.6% for the 2024-2025 school year, a slight decrease from 47.7% in the previous year.
The need for action is critical as chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of school days—has serious implications for student success. Funke emphasizes that improved communication with students and families is vital, stating, “Our outreach has improved dramatically.” Families receive warning letters after a set number of absences, reinforcing the school’s commitment to accountability.
New policies include clear definitions of excused absences, such as illness, medical appointments, and pre-approved absences, with strict documentation requirements. After three consecutive days of absence due to illness, a doctor’s note is mandatory, ensuring that students are held to higher standards of attendance.
Moreover, GBHS is implementing a robust awareness campaign, which includes an updated Student Handbook that stresses student responsibility. Funke stated that privileges like participation in the popular Hollyball dance or internships will now be tied directly to attendance. Students must demonstrate responsible attendance to earn these opportunities, creating a direct incentive for better engagement.
The stakes are high; students are allowed up to 16 days of absences in total, whether excused or unexcused. Exceeding this limit results in mandatory summer school and exclusion from key events, including prom. Funke aims to create a culture where attendance is celebrated and rewarded. Students who miss fewer than six days will be exempt from midterms, and those who miss fewer than 14 days will skip finals, unless they are failing classes.
Funke’s overarching goal is not only to reduce absenteeism but also to improve academic performance. Currently, GBHS students are six to seven points behind the state average on assessment tests. “If kids know the reason it’s important, they’re going to perform,” Funke said, highlighting the importance of student engagement in this initiative.
As the school year progresses, GBHS administrators will monitor the effectiveness of these policies and initiatives. The community is eager to see whether these changes yield the desired improvements by the end of the year. With the involvement of notable alumni like Ty Cobb, who has expressed interest in supporting attendance initiatives, the school is rallying around this cause.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: As GBHS continues to implement these strategies, the school community is encouraged to engage in conversations about attendance. Funke invites feedback from students, reinforcing the message that educators believe in their potential to succeed. This initiative is shaping up to not only enhance attendance but also foster a sense of accountability and community support among students.
Stay tuned for further updates as Great Bend High School intensifies its efforts to combat chronic absenteeism and improve student outcomes.
