Addressing Chronic Absenteeism By Addressing School Culture
Chronic absenteeism—or students missing 10 percent or more of enrolled school days—can affect children well beyond their school years, including lacking reading skills, lower test scores, an increased likelihood of exclusionary school discipline, and dropping out altogether.
Board Member and published author Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D., weighs in on the importance of changing the school climate and culture to one that is more welcoming of all students and families. Read more here.
Mary Coogan, ACNJ Vice Pres
Focusing on the Kids at Both Ends of the Juvenile Justice System
New Jersey has taken steps towards juvenile justice reform that gained us national recognition, including through our Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). However, more work needs to be done before we can truly have a therapeutic, supportive and equitable juvenile justice system. Read more on Vice President's Mary Coogan's blog post.
Food for Thought: The State of Summer Meals in New Jersey
New Jersey Summer Meals on the Rise, Per New Report
According to a new report released by Hunger Free New Jersey, since 2015, New Jersey communities have achieved a 38 percent increase in the number of children receiving summer meals. Together, these communities claimed $12.7 million in federal funds to feed hungry kids in the summer -- a 71 percent increase since 2015.
