Driving Change Together: How RIBBE is Empowering Businesses to Support the Attendance Matters Campaign

Written By Guest User

Rhode Island Businesses for Better Education (RIBBE) is proud to join the critical initiative to combat chronic absenteeism in our schools. Through the statewide #AttendanceMattersRI campaign, RIBBE is leveraging its membership network to ensure that Rhode Island students have the support they need to attend school every day and succeed academically.

The Challenge of Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of school days—has become a growing issue, with about 1 in 4 Rhode Island students experiencing it during the last school year. While there has been progress, with rates declining by over 4 percentage points compared to the previous year, the long-term effects of absenteeism are far-reaching, impacting not just individual students but the future workforce and economic prosperity of our state.

Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, RIBBE has taken action by equipping local businesses with the tools they need to join the effort.

Engaging Businesses to Spread Awareness

RIBBE has mobilized its network of member businesses to amplify the #AttendanceMattersRI campaign across Rhode Island. As trusted voices in their communities, these businesses are uniquely positioned to elevate the importance of daily school attendance in their communications with employees, customers, and families.

RIBBE has provided its members with a range of resources, including:

  • Educational Materials: Businesses have received access to campaign toolkits with facts, talking points, and other materials to share with their networks.

  • Posters and Visuals: Printed posters and digital assets have been distributed for display in employee common areas and public spaces, further spreading awareness.

  • Guidance for Engagement: RIBBE has offered actionable suggestions for businesses to get involved, from promoting attendance in their communications to partnering with local schools.

Amplifying Impact Across the State

This coordinated effort demonstrates the power of collaboration. With businesses actively participating in the campaign, awareness about the importance of school attendance has reached more families, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Local companies are not only promoting attendance as a value but also creating environments where employees feel supported in ensuring their children are present and engaged in school.

Why This Matters

Education is a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s future, and chronic absenteeism poses a threat to the success of our students and the vitality of our workforce. RIBBE recognizes that businesses have a direct stake in addressing this issue, as today’s students are tomorrow’s employees and business leaders. By engaging the business community in the #AttendanceMattersRI campaign, we are taking significant steps toward reducing absenteeism and ensuring a brighter future for everyone.

Join the Effort

RIBBE encourages all Rhode Islanders to support the #AttendanceMattersRI campaign. Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or a concerned community member, you can play a role in improving school attendance and setting students up for success.

For more information about the campaign and to access resources, visit https://ride.ri.gov/students-families/attendance-matters-ri. Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the strength of Rhode Island.

Guest User