Perfect attendance is a great accomplishment, and we want you to know that we recognize your family’s commitment and dedication to making it to school each and every day.
Each student who earns perfect attendance during the school year is given a “Maroon and Gold Award” with their name, picture and a lanyard that says “Every Day Matters at FFCS.”
The badges are awarded quarterly, and are valid for the entire marking period. Students can show their badges to gain free entry at athletics events, and get up to $2 in free snacks at school dances. They are also given coupon books for other perks, such as permission to chew gum in class and to skip one pre-approved homework assignment.
Our local business community also supports our Brave Badge Program. Currently, we are working with Stewart’s, which has promised a free ice cream cone to any student who has earned a Brave Badge. Subway has also jumped on board to offer students two free cookies for our Brave Badge award winners!
The Brave Badge initiative was started as part of the district-wide effort to reduce chronic absenteeism, which is described as missing 10 percent of the school year — or 18 days — for any reason, excused or unexcused. That’s the point at which absenteeism begins to affect student performance. The research is clear: Students who attend school regularly are able to learn more, have fewer discipline problems, develop better study habits and often are more successful than students who do not.
“There are so many benefits to having good attendance at school, and the Brave Badge program is a great way to encourage and recognize our students who are here working hard every day,” Middle School Principal David Zadoorian said. “Hopefully this will motivate everyone to try their best to do the same.”