Hayward Elementary is on a mission to get every child to school, and at the heart of this effort is Jenny Redd, the school’s dedicated Attendance Liaison. Since stepping into her role in February 2024, Jenny has worked tirelessly to ensure that every student feels supported and motivated to show up each day. As part of a twenty-day attendance challenge, she’s helping to bring the school community together in a way that lifts spirits and celebrates progress. Students with strong attendance are rewarded with the chance to win a brand-new bike, and pizza parties are on the horizon as a joyful reminder of their commitment. But beyond the rewards, Jenny’s passion and dedication are making a difference that goes beyond the classroom—she’s transforming lives, one school day at a time.
"I tell everybody that I feel like God created this position for me. When I started working for the District eight years ago, I told my family 'one day, when I am no longer in the District, kids are going to say 'Ms. Jen touched my life.'" Relationships have always been at the heart of her work, but as attendance liaison, she has the chance to build those connections even further - not just with students, but with their families too. "If we can bridge that gap between the school and families, it will go a long way in helping kids get to school."
Hayward has about 740 students, and while only a small percentage are considered 'chronically absent,' that doesn't mean Jenny isn't known throughout the halls. It is a common occurence to hear whispered shouts of, "Ms. Jen! Can I come to your room later?!" "Ms. Jen! I love my new football!" "Ms. Jen! Can you help me with my worksheets?!" It doesn't take much time to notice that Jenny makes school a place kids truly want to be. This is the heart of her mission - when we make school a place that kids want to come, they will show up.
Jenny is determined to help her chronically absent students find their way to school. "These are our future leaders. We have to have them in school. I don't want to sound tough, but being at school is not an option." At the same time, she emphasises that these students are not in trouble, "I always tell families, I'm not coming after you. I am here to figure out what works for you, and us, to get your student here." Back to that twenty-day attendance challenge happening right now - if Jenny's students meet their goal, that could drop the chronically absent rate at Hayward a full nine percent. It is an ambitious goal, and whether or not that goal is met, one thing is certain: Ms. Jen will still be lighting up the halls of Hayward, looking for the next idea and bridging those gaps, making sure our future leaders show up and have a chance to succeed.