Warren County Celebrates Top Attendance and Sodexo National Recognition

Warren County School Board held its final attendance awards ceremony for the school year, celebrating the efforts of schools, staff, and students in combating chronic absenteeism. The event recognized significant achievements in attendance rates and highlighted the ongoing commitment to making education enjoyable and engaging for students.

A.S. Rhodes Elementary emerged as the elementary winner, with an impressive attendance rate of 93.48%. The school’s efforts to keep students engaged, especially in the challenging final month of the school year, played a crucial role in this achievement. Activities such as Dare Day for fifth graders, field days, and various awards helped maintain high attendance rates.

Lori Layman, the Principal, said that A.S. Rhodes Elementary had launched a summer learning challenge in addition to their success during the school year. The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) donated a family pool pass to Skyline Ranch Resort. Students can enter a drawing for the pass by reading or completing a math task for 15 minutes daily. The school looks forward to the participation of families in this challenge and eagerly anticipates the return of students in the upcoming school year.

Warren County Middle School was recognized as the secondary winner with an attendance rate of 90.79%, narrowly edging out other schools by a three-hundredths of a percent margin. The school significantly improved its attendance, reducing chronic absenteeism from 29% last year to 19% this year. Average daily attendance also saw an increase from 87% to 92.8%.

E. Wilson Morrison Elementary received the award for most improved attendance, showing remarkable progress. The school’s chronic absenteeism rate dropped from 31.8% to 19%.

The ceremony also included an update from the School Resource Officers (SROs). The number of incidents reported in schools decreased from 42 in April to 26 in May, thanks to increased engagement efforts. There was also a notable reduction in vaping incidents. Over the summer, the SROs plan to hold more informational sessions to address vaping and keep students engaged through community events.

Nicole Kinsey from Sodexo informed the board about the overwhelming success of the Warren County Schools summer feeding program. The program served 993 meal bags in its second week, each containing seven days of breakfast and lunch. The USDA’s reclassification of the program as rural now allows it to serve bulk meals, significantly benefiting the community. Next week, the program will serve around 1,800 meals, providing essential support to families during these tough economic times.

Nicole Kinsey from Sodexo and Airli Kidwell.

Airli Kidwell, a fifth grader from H.J.B. Elementary, won the national Sodexo competition.

The ceremony concluded with special recognition for Airli Kidwell, a fifth grader from H.J.B. Elementary, who won the national Sodexo competition. Airli’s video on making a healthy breakfast impressed judges and showcased her enthusiasm and skill. Her achievement brought pride to the community and highlighted the talent and potential of Warren County’s students.

The attendance awards ceremony celebrated the hard work and dedication of students, staff, and families and underscored the community’s commitment to providing a supportive and engaging educational environment. Warren County Schools strives for excellence, significantly improving student attendance and well-being.

Click here to watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 5, 2024.