‘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)
Topics
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.
Want to comment on our stories? Or read the comments of others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only subscribers can view or add comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.