CUSD 10 elementary principals entered into a friendly competition to see whose school could have the highest attendance over a two-week period.  What ensued sparked a spirited rivalry that drew attention to the importance of school attendance and created a lighthearted way to battle chronic absenteeism.  

Summit Elementary earned attendance bragging rights with 96.38% attendance during the competition period, October 14-19.  Principal Stephanie Pulse was presented the Attendance Championship chain.*  Summit staff and students will receive treats for a schoolwide celebration.  

The Attendance Challenge was created by the district's elementary school principals as a way to spotlight the importance of being at school every day.  Research shows students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time and pursue higher education opportunities.

What is Chronic Absenteeism? Chronic absenteeism means that a student misses 10% or more of the school year—about 18 or more days, whether the absences are excused or unexcused. That’s just two days a month, but it adds up quickly. For more information visit the Chronic Absenteeism page on our Kahoks.org website.

Results of the Attendance Challenge:

PERCENT ATTENDANCE BY SCHOOL October 14-29 , 2025  
K-4 Attendance Challenge
SUMMIT = 96.38
TWIN ECHO = 96.30
CASEYVILLE = 95.14 
RENFRO = 94.97 
MARYVILLE = 94.94 
KREITNER = 93.84  
WEBSTER = 93.14 

Although they were not part of an organized attendance challenge, our 5-12 grade schools set benchmarks for future competition. Collinsville Middle School Principal Brad Snow accepted the Attendance Champion medallion for his school's 92.78% attendance from October 14-29.  

5-12 Attendance Challenge
CMS = 92.78
DORRIS = 92.56    
CHS = 90.25  

We will be doing a similar challenge districtwide in November.  Watch for information from building principals.

*Where Did We Get the Cool Kahok Attendance Champion Chains? The Kahok Attendance Champion chains were made by Dorris Intermediate School sixth grader Gavin Wilson who is a participant in the school's Young CEO program.   "The Kahok chains are amazing.  We appreciate Gavin's creativity to come with them as well as his coding skills to fabricate them.  The opportunity to recognize student attendance in our elementary schools, as well as our upper grades is always a fun experience and for a worthy cause...utilizing a student-created award makes it more meaningful!" said Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich.