At the beginning of the third-grade holiday concert at Columbus Intermediate School, eight students from across the Bedford City School District were called to the front for a special surprise.
Christopher Thompson, Coordinator of Student Attendance and Welfare at Bedford City Schools, individually recognized each student for their hard work on improving their attendance during the 2024-25 school year.
Once all the students were on stage, Thompson announced those eight students would also have the opportunity to attend the Browns' Week 17 game against the Dolphins in a suite, in association with Ticketmaster and the Cleveland Browns Foundation's Stay in the Game! Attendance Network.
"Supporting student attendance is vital to building brighter futures, and we're honored to join the Cleveland Browns in celebrating some of the most dedicated students from the Cleveland Browns Foundation's Stay in the Game! Attendance Network," Ticketmaster Managing Director in North America Marla Ostroff said. "We hope that the inaugural 'Attendance Top Dawg' recognition encourages them to continue to show up no matter the challenges and inspires them to dream big."
The Stay in the Game! Attendance Network was officially launched in 2019 by the Cleveland Browns Foundation, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Harvard's Proving Ground. Now managed by Battelle, the Network partners with school districts to create localized, data-informed attendance campaigns in support of strong student attendance.
Students who are not chronically absent from school are 3.9 times more likely to read on grade level by the end of third grade and three times more likely to graduate from high school on time. The Network continues to grow rapidly through its work to improve student attendance and support students across the state of Ohio.
The Network has now grown to 161 districts throughout the state of Ohio, with 108 of those districts within the Browns region. The Network, which provides support and resources to Ohio school districts with the goal of increasing school attendance and decreasing chronic absenteeism, now impacts 494,971 students. Districts within the Browns region make up half of the Network with 256,558 students.
"It's important for us to recognize the students who are making the extra effort to improve their attendance," Vice President of the Cleveland Browns Foundation Renee Harvey said. "Consistent school attendance is crucial for learning, but many students face challenges and barriers that impact their ability to attend. We hope that the opportunity to attend a Browns game will serve as the extra motivation they need to stay focused on their attendance and continue making progress in school."
The Browns will host those eight students and a chaperone for the Week 17 matchup against the Dolphins. Ahead of the game, get to know the students who will be in attendance.
"I'm excited because I've never been to a football game in my entire life. I have never gone to any games – no basketball games, no football games, nothing. So, this is my first time, so I'm super excited for it," Jordyn P. seventh grade student at Heskett Middle School, said.
Jordyn has shown great improvements in her attendance over the school year. She has shown up consistently, which has helped to improve her grades. It isn't always about having the highest attendance but demonstrating improved attendance.
Robert P. is a 12th grade high school student who stands out for his resilience and positive attitude. Despite facing a number of personal hardships, Robert has shown an ability to maintain outstanding attendance at school. His commitment to showing up every day, no matter the challenges he's facing, speaks volumes about his determination, strong work ethic and who he is as a person.
Denayne D. is also a 12th grade high school student who exemplifies resilience and dedication. Despite facing significant challenges in his personal life, Denayne has managed to maintain an exceptional record of attendance throughout his school years. What stands out is his ability to show up every day, ready to learn and engage with his peers and teachers. His commitment to his education, despite the obstacles he has faced, is a testament to his strong character, leadership abilities and determination.
Za'Kiyah B. is a fifth grader who has maintained consistency to increase her overall attendance at school. She has persevered through different circumstances and controlled what she could to improve her attendance at school. She has held the highest attendance improvement.
Tyler M. is a fourth grade student who has been consistent in his overall attendance throughout the 2024-25 school year and has had one of the most improved attendances for the school year.
Netaya K. is a fourth grader who has worked hard with the school and her mom to increase her attendance by 95 percent from this time in the 2023 fall semester.
Brandon W. is also a fourth grade student who has improved his attendance by 82 percent from 2023 at this time of the year. He is willing to work with others to do what he needs to do to get to school on time. He has worked hard with his mom and school to continue to increase his attendance daily.
An eighth grade student has shown the highest attendance improvement for the 2024-25 school year. The student has worked hard to get to school every day and shows up ready learn. The student's improved attendance has led to earning Academic Achievement status for the first nine weeks.
"Showing up on time every day and ready to learn is very important," Thompson said to close out the portion of the assembly. "These students are a prime example of what a commitment to attendance looks like. And as we like to say in Bedford City Schools, on time and every day is the BCSD Way."
