Las Cruces Schools Revive 'Count Me In' Program to Boost Attendance

Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) is relaunching its 'Count Me In' initiative on January 7 to combat declining attendance rates following the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, which previously awarded a car to a high school senior, will now distribute $1,000 cash prizes to multiple students across all schools to incentivize attendance. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10 or more days in a semester, has become a significant issue, exacerbated by illnesses and students balancing work commitments. LCPS aims to track improvements in attendance and academic performance by the end of the school year, emphasizing the importance of regular attendance for student success.

Key Details: • Initiative relaunched on January 7, 2024. • Cash prizes of $1,000 will be awarded to students for attendance. • Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 or more days in a semester. • LCPS will assess improvements in attendance and learning outcomes by the end of the school year.