Atlanta, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Cleveland Avenue Elementary School in Atlanta has successfully increased its attendance rate to over 90% by focusing on community engagement and rewards. The initiative emphasizes parent involvement and offers incentives like gift cards and fun classroom days. Parents report improved academic performance as a result of these efforts, showcasing the importance of family engagement in education. Atlanta Public Schools’ support, including social workers, plays a vital role in addressing chronic absenteeism, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for student success.
Atlanta – Cleveland Avenue Elementary School has successfully increased its attendance rate to over 90% by focusing on community engagement and implementing various incentives. This initiative is part of a larger movement by Atlanta Public Schools to enhance the educational experience for students and reduce chronic absenteeism across the district.
Social worker Summer Pace has highlighted the vital role of parent and family involvement in achieving attendance and academic goals. The school has introduced programs that promote engagement among families, ultimately leading to improved attendance rates. To further incentivize attendance, Cleveland Avenue Elementary has rolled out rewards such as gift cards and exciting classroom days. These strategies have proven effective, attracting students and parents alike to participate more actively in the school community.
One family that has seen remarkable change is that of Kiley Davis. Last year, her child had over 30 tardies, but this year, thanks to the school’s motivating atmosphere, the family has reached a milestone of zero tardies. Davis expressed her pride in ensuring timely arrivals and described the school environment as resembling an extended family. The consistent support and encouragement have made a notable difference in their daily routine.
Kenyatta Ferrell, a parent of four children, has also shared her success story stemming from the school’s positive atmosphere. All her kids are now on the honor roll, achieving academic success that she attributes to her engagement with the school. Ferrell has observed that her children’s performance improves significantly when she is active in their education. This sentiment is part of a larger trend being noticed among parents who are participating more in school activities as a direct result of the initiatives taken by Cleveland Avenue Elementary.
Atlanta Public Schools is dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism and is seeing positive outcomes for all students involved. The initiatives at Cleveland Avenue Elementary are part of this effort, with the school celebrating students with perfect attendance each month. Activities for these students include fun days, glow parties, treats, and surprise classroom visits, all designed to acknowledge their commitment to attending school consistently.
The supportive approach of adding social workers to every school across Atlanta Public Schools has further bolstered efforts to assist students and their families. By providing resources tailored to the needs of families, schools are promoting an environment that encourages both attendance and academic achievement.
This collaborative effort among parents, teachers, and social workers exemplifies the impact of community engagement on a school’s performance. With attendance rates climbing, Cleveland Avenue Elementary is setting a strong example for other schools in the area.
Background on Attendance Challenges
Chronic absenteeism has been a significant concern for many schools, affecting not only the academic performance of students but also the overall environment within the educational system. Recognizing this issue, Atlanta Public Schools has initiated various programs aimed at increasing both attendance and family involvement. These programs are crucial in addressing the barriers that students and families face regarding consistent school attendance.
Conclusion
The success story of Cleveland Avenue Elementary is indicative of what can be achieved when a school and its community come together to tackle attendance and engagement issues. With continued efforts, the school aims to maintain and even improve its attendance rates while fostering an environment where students are motivated to succeed academically.
FAQs
What is the current attendance rate for Cleveland Avenue Elementary School?
The school has successfully increased its attendance rate to over 90%.
What incentives are offered to encourage student attendance?
Incentives such as gift cards, fun classroom days, glow parties, and treats are offered to students with perfect attendance.
How has the school involved families in attendance initiatives?
The school emphasizes the importance of parent and family engagement through various programs that promote participation in school activities.
What resources has Atlanta Public Schools provided to support this initiative?
Atlanta Public Schools has added social workers to every school to better support students and their families.
What have parents reported about their children’s academic success?
Parents have reported that their children are performing better academically when they are more engaged with the school.
Key Features of Cleveland Avenue Elementary School Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Attendance Rate | Attendance has increased to over 90% through community efforts. |
| Parent Engagement | Family involvement is prioritized to support student success. |
| Incentive Programs | Offers rewards such as gift cards and fun classroom days for attendance. |
| Supportive Resources | Social workers are placed in each school to aid students and families. |
| Acknowledgment of Attendance | Students with perfect attendance are celebrated with fun activities. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Police Investigate School Bus Incident Involving Student
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Absentee Rates Dropping in Atlanta Public Schools
- K12 Dive: Atlanta Public Schools Building Closures and Redistricting
- 11 Alive: Parents Weigh In On School Closures in Atlanta
- Fox 5 Atlanta: College Park Utility Bill Discounts for School Attendance
- Wikipedia: Chronic Absenteeism

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.


