Attendance Matters: Creating a Culture for MCAP Success

Andrew Jackson Academy is proving what’s possible when students show up every day. The school posted a 13 percent increase in English Language Arts scores on the MCAP, gains in mathematics, and a 13 percent drop in chronic absenteeism from school year 2024 to 2025.

Last year’s 6th graders even achieved a rare milestone — 100 percent attendance for the entire school year. Now, as 7th graders, they are aiming to repeat the feat while motivating classmates to do the same.

Their success shows why September’s Attendance Awareness Month matters. Daily attendance is tied not only to stronger academic performance but also to healthier relationships and long-term success. Each day in class is a chance to learn, grow, and prepare for the future.

Principal Warren Tweedy, in his fifth year leading the school, says the culture at Andrew Jackson has shifted.

“When students are here every day, we see the difference in their learning, their confidence, and their community spirit,” Tweedy said. “What excites me just as much is the buy-in from our staff. Teachers and support staff show up eager to be here, and that energy inspires our students to do the same.”

The commitment is being recognized. Easterns Automotive Group, 7News, and their Helping Hands initiative recently surprised six students on the Principal’s Honor Roll — all with 4.0 GPAs — by awarding them brand-new laptops. The honor reflects both the school’s academic gains and its progress in improving attendance.

When students show up, everyone benefits: teachers can teach more effectively, students collaborate more fully, and school spirit grows stronger. Andrew Jackson’s story is a reminder that attendance is more than a number — it’s the foundation for success in college, careers, and life.