‘Every Day in School’ program works with schools, parents to reduce truancy
MPD and the District Attorney’s office held a pep rally at Dunbar Elementary School in Orange Mound to kick off its annual Bikes-for-Perfect-Attendance program Friday, Sept. 14. For the last 12 years, the DA’s office has focused on combating unexcused school absences through its truancy reduction program, but after a recent rebranding, the program has expanded its scope. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich was at Dunbar Elementary School Friday, Sept. 14 to kick off the Bikes-for-Perfect-Attendance program, which is designed to encourage lower truancy rates in high-risk schools. Weirich referred to the issue of truancy as a “multi-headed dragon” that needs to be addressed with a multifaceted approach. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
With 58 percent of its students qualifying as truant last year, Dunbar Elementary had the fourth highest truancy rate among Memphis’ elementary schools, a figure its principal Anniece Gentry hope to drastically lower thanks to a partnership with the District Attorney’s office. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphis)
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Amy Weirich Megan Pietrowski Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Shelby County SchoolsYolanda Jones
Yolanda Jones covers criminal justice issues and general assignment news for The Daily Memphian. She previously was a reporter at The Commercial Appeal.
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