NNPS Attendance and Menchville High win 2025 Attendance Innovation Award
Posted: June 24, 2025
The Newport News Public Schools Attendance Department and Menchville High School won the 2025 Attendance Innovation Awards Grand Prize from EveryDay Labs for outstanding attendance initiatives.
"These incredible school and district leaders are rethinking how to transform student attendance with creativity and heart," EveryDay Labs said in a post announcing the winners, which also included four runners-up from across the county, on June 24.
Implementing a special soccer league to improve attendance for students who are English Learners, Menchville staffers engaged students through love of the sport, which not only brought more students into school but also introduced them to skills beyond athleticism, including statistics and public speaking. By scheduling tournaments on days with historically low attendance, school officials saw that day's average daily attendance improve, and the overall English Learner chronic absenteeism rate drop by four percentage points.
"This recognition is a national honor, and our success would not have been possible without the creativity, dedication and teamwork displayed across our school community," said Menchville Principal Jason Hollar. "I want to extend special congratulations to our Attendance Team, Graduation Coaches, ESL Department, School Counseling department, and Ms. Emma Honeysucker, our incredible ESL Community Engagement Specialist. Your commitment to building inclusive, student-centered programs that foster connection and boost attendance is truly inspiring.
"This award is a reflection of what happens when we lead with heart, stay committed to our community, and ensure every student feels seen, valued and included. When students have a true sense of belonging, they show up - and they thrive."
The award comes with a $5,000 scholarship to be awarded to a graduating senior and $2,000 in gift cards or goods to support attendance incentive programs within the school district.
