Superintendent calls on families to partner with schools to support strong student attendance
ROBESON COUNTY — The Public Schools of Robeson County (PSRC) is reinforcing the critical message that every day matters when it comes to student success. In Robeson County, students are more than just numbers—they’re our neighbors, our family and our future. Each day, parents and guardians play a vital role in helping children arrive at school ready to learn and grow.
Why Attendance Is Important
When a child misses school in Robeson County, it’s not just a day of learning lost—it’s a missed chance for them to connect with friends, hear a teacher’s encouragement and build academic skills that will prepare them for bright futures. PSRC teachers work tirelessly to open doors of opportunity, but those doors can only be walked through when students are present.
Regular, daily attendance at school is crucial for a child's academic achievement, personal growth, and future success—not just to avoid being "chronically absent," but for maximizing every educational, social, and personal benefit that school offers. Students who attend school regularly achieve higher grades, are more likely to reach proficiency in key subjects, and graduate from high school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
The table below summarizes the attendance rate for PSRC by school based on November 2024 data from the Principal’s Monthly Report.
The impact of being absent is even more evident for students who are identified as chronically absent. According to the U.S. Department of Education, chronic absenteeism is defined as students missing 10% or more of the school year, for any reason—excused or unexcused.
In 2023, schools across the state had a chronic absenteeism rate of 25%, according to NCDPI. That means 1 in 4 K-12 students across the state missed 10% or more of the school year in 2023-24, equal to at least 18 days of learning lost.
“We cannot address this challenge alone,” said Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “It will take all of us—educators, parents, students, and community members—working together with a ‘one team, one goal’ approach to ensure our children are in school and thriving.”
Illness, transportation barriers and school anxiety can all present challenges—but no family should face them in isolation.
PSRC is committed to understanding, supporting and working alongside families every step of the way, Dr. Williamson said.
How Robeson County Families Can Help
Strong attendance starts at home. Simple routines and encouragement set the tone for learning, and small daily actions can build habits that make a big difference.
According to Attendance Works, families can take simple steps to support strong attendance:
● Plan family trips during school breaks to avoid missing class time.
● Establish consistent daily routines for mornings and evenings.
● Set your child up for success by preparing clothes and backpacks the night before.
● Talk with your child about why showing up every day matters.
● Connect with teachers or counselors if your child feels anxious about school.
● Create a backup plan so your child has reliable transportation even during emergencies.
A Community Effort
“Every day a PSRC student walks through the doors of their school, they’re building skills for tomorrow. When students miss a day, we miss more than academics; we miss a piece of our community,” Dr. Williamson said.
“Let’s celebrate the small victories, support one another in tough moments, and remember: when our students thrive, our entire county thrives,” Dr. Williamson added.
