Chronic absence – at any age – is one of the strongest early warning indicators of academic risk and, if left unaddressed, students will eventually drop out. The Tuscaloosa City Schools provides every child with the fundamental right to an elementary, middle and high school education. Yet across the district, thousands of children are being denied that right because of poor attendance.

This is why Tuscaloosa City Schools has developed the “HERE” campaign. HERE stands for “Have Everyone Ready to Educate.” The foundation of the campaign is built on a simple truth: students can’t learn if they’re not here. However, in the short and long-term, students are not the only ones affected by the negative effects of poor attendance.

Tuscaloosa City Schools has one message for Tuscaloosa students and their families: your child needs to be here.