Ferndale Schools Working to Reduce Absenteeism and Increase Engagement
(Ferndale Schools Superintendent Camille Hibbler, Jan. 6, 2025)
Ferndale, MI – Last month, in our REACH dynamic strategic plan update, we focused on the vital work of supporting our educators through Relevant and Responsive Staff Development. This month, I’m excited to highlight our commitment to the second letter of our strategic plan: E – Engaged & Empowered Students.
Our priority here is rooted in the fundamental belief that for learning to happen, students must be consistently present and actively engaged.
A student can only learn if they are in the classroom. Thus, we are intensely focused on reducing chronic absenteeism, particularly at the high school level, with ambitious annual goals to decrease rates at both University High School and Ferndale High School. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—roughly two school days a month—for any reason. In the 2023-24 school year, 51% of FHS students and 78% of UHS students were chronically absent.
Moving forward, it is our goal to reduce chronic absenteeism rates annually by at least 6% at FHS and by 10% at UHS.
In action, this work will involve personalized, community-based supports to address the barriers that keep students from attending regularly. We can’t do this alone, however, as ensuring students attend class is a community-wide effort. Please join us in encouraging and supporting our students so that they come to class every day eager and ready to learn.
Student engagement begins with a foundation of safety, support and readiness. To build this environment, we are actively implementing strategies to reduce out-of-school suspensions across our middle and high schools.
Beyond policy, we are deepening our commitment to equity: by 2028, we will launch and sustain three targeted programs designed to dismantle barriers for underrepresented groups.
Ultimately, our success lies in the student experience. We define progress by the percentage of students who feel a true sense of belonging and who know they have a trusted adult to turn to within their school community.
Preparing students for life after graduation is another key priority. To expand these pathways, we are committed to increasing the number of students who complete dual enrollment and AP courses, earn industry credentials and submit the FAFSA by 2027. These milestones ensure that every student, regardless of their chosen path, is fully prepared for college, career and beyond. Investing in attendance support, college and career readiness and the whole student experience is how we create schools where every student feels seen, connected and prepared for their next chapter.
We look forward to sharing continued updates on our strategic plan as it relates to this crucial priority area and the rest to come. Our students are the future.
Learn more about Ferndale Schools at https://www.ferndaleschools.org/
