A schoolwide skating party proved that fun and learning go hand in hand at Brookside Elementary—and it did more than create smiles. It helped increase student attendance and strengthen the school community. Funded by the Teresa Weatherall Neal Principal’s Fund, this attendance incentive initiative showed how a joyful, shared experience can motivate scholars to show up consistently and feel excited about coming to school.
Brookside’s leadership team reflected on their attendance challenges and explored ways to make daily presence at school something scholars could celebrate. Inspired by student voice and a desire to build community, they created a schoolwide goal paired with an exciting incentive. As one scholar proudly shared, “Brookside Bengals know how to make school fun.” That belief became the foundation for their skating party incentive.
The initiative launched during a schoolwide assembly, where expectations and participation requirements were clearly shared with scholars. Families received information outlining the attendance goal—missing no more than five days of school in order to attend the skating party—so they could support their child’s success. Excitement grew quickly, and both scholars and staff were motivated to work toward the shared goal.
The impact was powerful. Approximately 85% of scholars met the attendance goal, resulting in 244 students participating in the skating celebration. Every grade level achieved attendance above 72% for the month, demonstrating how a consistent, engaging incentive can positively influence attendance across an entire school.
The skating party itself was a celebration of commitment, not just a reward. Scholars laughed, skated, and cheered together, while families and staff joined in the joy. The event strengthened relationships between Brookside and the wider school community, creating meaningful connections and lasting memories.
Perhaps most important was the message sent to scholars and families alike: being present matters. Brookside hopes parents saw the excitement and pride on their child’s face and were reminded how regular attendance supports learning, belonging, and success.
The success of the initiative was captured perfectly in student reflections:
- “Man, this is fun.”
- “I’m glad I didn’t miss school.”
Through this effort, Brookside demonstrated that when students feel celebrated and connected, attendance improves and school becomes a place they genuinely want to be.
