What happens when a student is a no-show at school? Student attendance has been a major concern in schools across the U.S. the past few years, after chronic absenteeism spiked during the pandemic years. Helping students and families achieve regular attendance is a key focus of Bend-La Pine Schools, and that centers on academic engagement and success; ensuring all students experience a sense of belonging and safety in school; and addressing family circumstances that make it challenging for students to attend. We’re seeing success with our strategies. Bend-La Pine Schools is tracking big improvement with a large number of students who had been missing too many days last school year, and who are showing up regularly this fall. In this episode of the Supe’s On! podcast, Superintendent Steven Cook sits down with Eric Powell, Director of Student Services, to talk why some students miss a lot of school and how the district approaches chronic absenteeism.