TRI-CITIES, Wash.- At Fuerza Elementary, supporting student attendance starts with connection. Jasmin Farias, a Student Support Coordinator with Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin, works closely with students and families to make sure attendance resources feel accessible, supportive, and encouraging.
Fuerza is a dual language school, so all attendance communication is shared in both English and Spanish. Farias said that bilingual outreach helps families feel informed and comfortable engaging with the school. Each month, families receive personalized attendance letters, and when students need additional support, Farias meets one-on-one with caregivers to identify challenges and find solutions together.
“We make sure families know we’re here to help,” Farias said. “When something is getting in the way of attendance, we talk it through and figure out next steps as a team.”
To keep students excited about coming to school, Fuerza combines practical support with fun incentives. In February, the school will host Attendance Awareness Week in collaboration with the Fuerza Attendance Support Team. Families will receive reminders and tips through school apps and social media, while students participate in interactive activities like lunch raffles and a Valentine’s-themed bulletin board where they share why they love school.
Farias also provides individualized motivation tools, including punch cards, attendance charts, and small incentives that celebrate progress rather than perfection. The goal is to build positive habits and recognize effort along the way.
Attendance support at Fuerza Elementary is designed to feel personal, positive, and encouraging, helping students show up ready to learn while ensuring families feel supported every step of the way.
