New Britain schools targeting kindergarten truants

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) — The New Britain school district has assigned a retired psychologist and a parks and recreation employee to reduce chronic absenteeism among kindergartners.

The New Britain Herald reports that Joseph Vaverchak, the director of attendance, says it's intended to to increase awareness.

About 29 percent of New Britain's kindergarten population is chronically absent, which is defined as missing at least 10 days of school last year.

In addition to meeting with parents, the two staffers will monitor data about students who are missing school and why.

Statistics show that children who are chronically absent from kindergarten fall behind in their school work later on, including the ability to read proficiently in the third grade.

A national study by Johns Hopkins University researchers released in May found absenteeism highest in kindergarten and high school.

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Information from: New Britain Herald