Memphis-Shelby County Schools
160 S. Hollywood St.
Memphis, TN 38112
Main: (901) 416-5300
Across Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), the message is clear: success starts with showing up. As part of the District’s 5 A’s in Action" initiative, the spotlight is now on Attendance, highlighting the schools and students who prove that being "present and accounted for" is the first step toward academic excellence.
From elementary celebrations to record-breaking high school milestones, here is how MSCS is moving the needle on school attendance.
District Gains: A Culture of Consistency
Launched in the summer of 2025 by Superintendent Dr. Roderick F. Richmond, the Show Up for Greatness initiative reinforces a simple but powerful message: every day in school is a step toward a brighter future.
The initiative has created new opportunities for early intervention, allowing schools to identify and support students who are approaching the threshold for chronic absenteeism before attendance challenges become more severe. At the same time, it has helped schools actively promote positive attendance habits and student engagement across the District, resulting in measurable progress.
Those efforts are yielding tangible results:
The District’s projected chronic absenteeism rate has decreased to 27.9%, down from 30.3%.
MSCS is currently maintaining an overall district attendance rate of 91.9%.
Overton High School continues to demonstrate significant year-over-year improvement.
Craigmont Middle School leads middle schools with an outstanding 93.5% attendance rate.
MSCS continues to drive progress through a data-driven approach, reviewing attendance every 20 school days, and documenting progress on official reports. This allows the District to categorize attendance into "Achievement Tiers" to celebrate consistency and trigger necessary support:
Gold Tier (96%+): 0-7 Absences
Silver Tier (91%–95%): 8-17 Absences
Bronze Tier (90% or below): 18+ Absences
These tiers help the District identify students who may be facing barriers to daily attendance, such as chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10% or more instructional days. From targeted support to schoolwide celebrations, the Show Up for Greatness initiative is helping create lasting attendance habits that support student achievement.
High School Milestones: The 'Forever Present’ Seniors
For most students, four years of high school is a journey of growth; for three remarkable seniors, it was a journey of unbroken consistency. Ismelda R. (Southwind High), Qa'Zaria R. (Germantown High), and Madison W. (Ridgeway High) have achieved the extraordinary feat of perfect attendance for all four years of their high school careers.
Under the leadership of Principals John Bush, Jonathan Stencil, and Phillip Nelson, these seniors have become the faces of reliability in their respective buildings. Joining them in the winner's circle for the 2025-26 school year are Aiden L. (Middle College High) and Neha K. (White Station High). Both Aiden and Neha maintained perfect attendance through the first six 20-day periods of the year while securing the highest and second-highest cumulative GPAs in their class, respectively – proving the direct link between "showing up" and "leveling up."
Starting Early: Willow Oaks Elementary
The habit of attendance begins the moment a student enters the MSCS system. At Willow Oaks Elementary, the "5 A’s" come to life through high-energy celebrations. Recently, 315 students who earned Perfect Attendance and Gold Tier status were rewarded with an Italian Ice celebration, provided by Southeast Regional Superintendent Dr. Michael Lowe.
The atmosphere was joyful and filled with pride as students enjoyed time outside with peers and staff. This event served as a powerful reminder that daily presence contributes to both academic and social success. As the Willow Oaks team says, they are "WILD about Willow!"
“At Willow Oaks, we believe every day counts,” said Principal Kendra Jackson. “Celebrating our students who achieved perfect and gold-tier attendance shows them that their dedication, consistency, and commitment to learning do not go unnoticed. Events like this help build a positive school culture and reinforce the importance of showing up every day – because student success begins with attendance.”
Through the Show Up for Greatness initiative and the District’s continued focus on the 5 A’s, Memphis-Shelby County Schools is proving that when students are present, they are engaged, supported, and prepared to succeed.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools
160 S. Hollywood St.
Memphis, TN 38112
Main: (901) 416-5300
Memphis-Shelby County Schools offers educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, creed, age, disability, national origin, or genetic information.