The Hermiston School District, in partnership with Rogers Toyota of Hermiston, will participate in the P.A.S.S. (Perfect Attendance Spells Success) Program during the school year.
The program has promoted perfect attendance amongst sixth graders in Lewiston, Idaho, and has been successful since its inception in 2006.
In June 2017, Rogers Toyota of Hermiston will award a bicycle and helmet to each sixth grader from Armand Larive and Sandstone middle schools that had perfect attendance during the 2016-17 school year.
Sandstone will roll out the program with an assembly today at 2:40 p.m., and Armand Larive on Thursday at 2:40 p.m.
Attendance will be recorded between the dates of Sept. 19 and June 6. Perfect attendance means that a student cannot have an absence (excused or unexcused) between the dates mentioned, and cannot be tardy three times. The student will not be eligible if the criteria are not met.
“The best thing about this program is the enthusiasm it generates among teachers, parents, and most importantly sixth graders,” said Glenn Silaski, general manager for Rogers Toyota of Hermiston. “These kids are at the perfect place in their school careers to be excited and motivated about an extra incentive to attend class. To date, PASS has helped hundreds of kids focus on all of the benefits of getting the most out of their education.”
Hermiston Assistant Superintendent Bryn Browning said increasing school attendance is a focus of the district.
“By sixth grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school,” Browning said. “Many absences are seen as ‘Oh, just one here or there,’ but students are considered chronically absent even if they miss a day or two every few weeks. One of our key initiatives is to partner with parents/caregivers to understand the importance of attending school. Thank you to Rogers Toyota of Hermiston for giving us a partnership within our community.”
