Being Present Matters: How CISGG Is Taking Action on Chronic Absenteeism
Communities In Schools of Greater Greensboro (CISGG) is proud to join the national Being Present Matters campaign—a powerful initiative highlighting one of the most urgent challenges facing schools today: chronic absenteeism. As part of the nation’s leading provider of K–12 school-based integrated student supports, CISGG is committed to helping students overcome barriers so they can be present, engaged, and ready to learn every day.
Why Attendance Matters More Than Ever
Across the country, chronic absenteeism has reached crisis levels. During the 2021–2022 school year, nearly 15 million students were chronically absent, missing 10% or more of the school year. That’s almost a full month of lost learning for one in four students. Locally, CISGG continues to see the impact of these trends as students face challenges ranging from transportation issues and mental health needs to lack of basic resources and family disruptions.
The Being Present Matters campaign brings national attention to the epidemic of absenteeism—many of which were made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic—and reinforces the solutions CIS provides every day inside schools.
Our Solution: Caring Adults Embedded in Schools
The heart of CISGG’s work is simple but powerful: a trained, caring adult inside the school building, working directly with students, families, and educators to identify what keeps students from coming to school—and then addressing those needs.
Whether students are struggling academically, facing emotional stress, lacking supplies, or simply needing encouragement, our Site Coordinators show up with support, consistency, and compassion. When students feel connected and understood, they are far more likely to show up and stay engaged.
And the data proves it.
Proven Results Across Communities In Schools
During the 2023-2024 school year nationwide:
- 99.5% of CIS students remained in school
- 90% of seniors graduated or earned a GED
- 60,585 of students served
These results underscore what we know to be true: when students are present, supported, and engaged, they succeed.
CISGG’s Commitment to Greensboro Students
Here in Greater Greensboro, CISGG works closely with teachers, administrators, and families to improve attendance through individualized plans, family outreach, community partnerships, and access to wraparound supports. Our Site Coordinators are in the halls, in classrooms, and alongside parents—building trust and ensuring students have what they need to show up every day.
From providing uniforms and school supplies to connecting families with food assistance or mental health resources, CISGG ensures no student faces barriers alone.
A Call to Action: Show Up for Our Students
The Being Present Matters campaign encourages communities across the country to take action. At CISGG, we echo that message loudly:
We are calling on everyone—parents, caregivers, educators, partners, and community members—to be present for our kids.
When the community shows up, students show up. And when students show up, they thrive.
Together, let’s make sure every student has the support they need to be present, engaged, and ready to learn.
For more information or to learn more about please go to www.cisgg.org. To donate, please click on the link: Donate!
