New England Patriots Return to Young Woods as Part of Attendance Initiative
Students recognized for outstanding attendance during first quarter of school year
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Providence Public School District (PPSD), in collaboration with the Kraft Foundation, were excited to welcome back the New England Patriots to Young Woods Elementary School today to speak to students about the importance of attendance in school and recognize students who missed no more than one day since the start of the school year.
“We are so fortunate to have members of the New England Patriots organization returning to Young Woods Elementary,” said Providence Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “The students are always very excited when they come to the school, and the message the players are conveying is so important. The attendance initiative in our schools is a key part of our Turnaround Action Plan, and we thank the New England Patriots organization for speaking to the students about how important attendance in school is for their future in education.”
“Congratulations to Young Woods Elementary School for setting the bar high and improving attendance rates! Together, you have created a strong school culture where students and teachers want to be in school every day, learning and growing alongside each other,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Attendance has a significant impact on student achievement, which is why districtwide, as part of the Turnaround, Providence Public Schools has doubled down in its efforts to engage families and lower chronic absenteeism.”
“Overall, attendance rates have improved dramatically in the past year,” said Young Woods Principal Dr. William Reilly. “At this time last year, we were at a 78% attendance rate for the quarter. Now, we are right around 90%. That is a huge improvement, and I’m so incredibly proud of the progress the school has made toward the attendance initiative.”
The New England Patriots and the Kraft Foundation came to Young Woods earlier in the school year to speak to students about the importance of attendance in school. The organization returned to Young Woods to congratulate the students on great attendance for the previous quarter. A total of 138 students, or 25% of all students at Young Woods, were absent no more than one day this past quarter. To celebrate that achievement, the New England Patriots and the Kraft Foundation returned to the school to meet with the students and their families.
The event was held on Wednesday, January 25, at 9:30 a.m. at Young Woods Elementary. Students, staff, the New England Patriots stadium announcer, Patriots cheerleaders, and at least one player were in attendance. The media was invited to attend, and members of the organization were available for interviews following the event.
