Can you believe it? Today marks the 120th day of school. That means there are only 56 school days left. The countdown is officially ON. 

And here's the part that should stop you in your tracks... Over 500 students in Cicero District 99 have shown up EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. this year. Let that sink in.

Every 30 school days, we highlight classes from each of our schools who demonstrate nearly perfect attendance and lead their buildings in showing up strong.

Today, we celebrate:
🐾 Burnham: Ms. Fernandez's 1st grade class
🐺 Cicero East: Mr. Cedeno's 6th grade homeroom
🦅 Cicero West: Ms. Dominguez's 2nd grade class
🐴 Columbus East: Ms. Chu's 4th grade class
🐱 Columbus West: Ms. Martinez's 3rd grade class
🐈‍⬛ Drexel: Ms. Wild's class
🦉 EC Center: Ms. Nicholas' PM class
🐊 Goodwin: Mr. Ansani's 6th grade homeroom
🦅 Liberty: Ms. Torres' 1st grade class 
🦁 Lincoln: Ms. Zamora's 4th grade class
🐦‍⬛ Roosevelt: Ms. Nuevalos Tello's 6th grade homeroom
🦈 Sherlock: Mr. Tormo-Sanchez's 1st grade 
🐯 Unity West: Mr. Bobinski's 7th grade homeroom 
🐯 Unity East: Ms. Krueger's 8th grade homeroom
🐺 Warren Park: Ms. Arellano's 5th grade homeroom 
🐲 Wilson: Mr. Gil's 5th grade class

You are setting the standard. You are leading by example. You are proving that showing up matters.

Attendance Is a Big Deal (Like... a Really Big Deal)! Here's something that might surprise you:

Missing just 2 days a month adds up to 18 days a year. That's nearly 10% of the school year. Research shows students who miss 10% or more of school are far more likely to struggle academically — even if those absences are excused. By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes one of the strongest early warning signs a student may not graduate on time.

Now flip that around... Students who attend school consistently:

Build stronger reading and math skills. Develop better friendships and social confidence. Feel more connected to their school community. Are more likely to graduate and pursue their goals.

Attendance isn't just about being present. It's about building momentum. And momentum changes futures.

🔑 That's why our goal is 9 days or less = the key to success! At the start of this year, we set a clear goal: 9 absences or fewer.

Because when students stay under that number, their chances of academic success increase dramatically. And guess what? We still have thousands of students who are on track to achieve that goal. 

That's not luck. That's commitment. That's families prioritizing education. That's students choosing to show up — even on tough mornings.

56 days. Let's finish strong. Here's something powerful to think about: The last 56 days of school can either be the stretch where we coast OR the stretch where we accelerate. The final months are where reading levels jump. Math skills lock in. Confidence grows. Friendships strengthen. Leaders emerge.

Small daily habits create big yearly results. Here are some practical ways to keep attendance strong:

💪 Set a consistent bedtime routine now — it makes spring mornings easier.
💪 Schedule appointments after school whenever possible.
💪 Talk positively about school at home — excitement is contagious.
💪 Aim for progress, not perfection — if your child has had absences, today is a fresh start.

Every day counts. Every lesson builds. Every student matters.

Cicero District 99, we are 120 days in — and the story of this school year is still being written. Let's make the last 56 days our strongest yet. Let's protect momentum. Let's show up for each other.

Because success doesn't happen by accident. It happens by attendance!