Illustration of teacher giving student A+ for best grade & party for student with perfect attendance

Illustration by RJ Matson; Debate photos courtesy of families

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Should You Be Rewarded for Perfect Attendance?

Going to school every day can be rewarding for students at Featherstone Elementary in Woodbridge, Virginia. Their school holds attendance challenges that enable kids to win prizes—snacks, a pajama day, or even a pet goldfish.

Students missing school too often is a nationwide problem. In 2022, nearly 40 percent of U.S. public schools reported an increase in absences from the previous school year. Research shows that students who miss 15 or more days could be at risk of falling behind. Featherstone and other schools offer rewards to encourage kids to come to school every day. 

“We want to ensure that students are on track to be successful,” says Featherstone principal Christina Treadwell. As a result of the attendance challenges, absences at Featherstone were down last school year. 

But others think that getting a good education is enough of a reward. They say kids shouldn’t expect prizes for something they’re supposed to do anyway.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Kids have to wake up early in the morning to get to class. Students who try hard all year and have perfect attendance deserve a reward. Fun prizes make school more enjoyable and encourage students to show up.

I try to go to school every day, but I sometimes miss a day or two. That’s why I think schools should offer monthly rewards. That way, if a kid misses days in one month, they’ll be motivated to get the reward the next month.

Kids can’t always control when they’re absent. Some kids miss school for special events. My brother is in his school’s robotics club and missed class for a tournament. I don’t think it would be fair for him to be denied an attendance reward because of that. 

Plus, students don’t choose when they get sick. Rewarding attendance might encourage kids to go to school when they don’t feel well. That could spread germs to others.

What does your class think?

Should you be rewarded for perfect attendance?

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