1,440 consecutive days of school – not counting Pre-K and Kindergarten. For one graduating 8th grader from the Dedham Middle School, the journey began back in September of 2006. Soon to be Freshman (DHS class of 2018) Corey Kilroy, lined up in the gym at the Oakdale Elementary School with a group of neighborhood children and some new-found friends, ready to start his adventure in to grade 1 and beyond.
Although a bit apprehensive, the students listened intently as Principal Holli Armstrong read to them and explained how excited she was for them, how much they were going to learn, and then detailed her expectations. Moments later, a group was led to the 1st grade classroom of Sue Spears and this is where Corey Kilroy “never looked back.”
At the recent 2014 Dedham Middle School 8th grade Promotion Ceremony, we had the chance to speak with Principal Debra Gately. Ms. Gately explained that “while many school districts do not routinely collect or recognize attendance data, this information is always available on a real time basis to our staff and administrators.”
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We asked her opinion of “just how important is it for kids to be in school each day?” Ms. Gately`s response proved very knowledgeable. Her eyes lit up as she told us “successful schools begin by engaging students and making sure they attend regularly.” “Attendance is a very important factor in determining a student`s success.” Ms. Gately went on to explain that “it is difficult for a teacher and the class to learn and move forward, if a number of students are frequently absent.”
In recent years, national studies have proven that students with a consistent absentee rate of 10 percent (18 days per year) or greater, are more likely to drop out of school and fall behind in society. Especially in this day and age however, we all recognize that some absences, excused or unexcused, are simply unavoidable.
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Some schools and school districts now realize the importance of attendance and have linked “education with motivation.” Prizes, rewards, and recognition are but a few of the tools used by our schools, administrators and community members to work on this issue.
Principal Gately told us that the Dedham Middle School “has had great success recognizing students who achieve Honors and High Honors each term and will now acknowledge those with perfect attendance and those who excel in sports.
At this year`s 8th grade Promotion Ceremony, Brandon Carr and Corey Kilroy received certificates for “perfect attendance” in grades 6, 7 and 8. Derrick Eures, Katherine Flynn, Jack McCarron, Emily McDonough and Christian Villard got certificates for not missing a day in grade 8. In addition, 21 students from grade 6 had perfect attendance for the year, along with 15 students in grade 7.
At the end of the Ceremony, Principal Gately, Vice Principal Margo Fraczek, and Superintendent June Doe, called Corey Kilroy back to the podium. To the sounds of thunderous applause, it was announced that Corey had not missed a day of school in grades 1-8! For this proud accomplishment, he received a wonderful wooden plaque – to accompany his seven academic achievement certificates – along with the well wishes and support of the entire crowd.
“Corey has been on my radar for some time now” Ms. Gately told us. “He has been an inspiration to all of us here at the Middle School, especially the younger students, and we`re all very proud of him.”
As for Corey, he told us that he doesn`t really think about this unique feat. “We learn so many things every day in school, I just don`t like to miss anything…”
Corey should keep an eye out over his shoulder though, younger sister Kara, just made it through grades 1-6 (1,080 consecutive days) with perfect attendance, along with an award for receiving all A`s in all subjects for all 4 terms!
Congratulations and our best wishes to all those setting such a fine example at the Dedham Middle School.
Grade 6 students with perfect attendance for the year include: Carmelo Cedrone – Kristofor Jean Cuello Ziu – Dashone Eures – Siobhan Fitzpatrick – Victoria Gonzalez – Danielle Guilfoyle – George Henney – Victoria Horard – Jonathan Kelly – Joseph Kentley – Anaiele Kiami – Kara Kilroy – Tyler Lally – Joshua Pfeifer – Sophia Resha – Michael Reynolds – Sydney Shair – Jesse Shields – Kristina Shkurti – Nhl Vo – Nicholas Wilcox.
Grade 7 students with perfect attendance for the year include: Anthony Amaru – Zimbiat Animashaun – Tuyen Dang – Samantha DeJean – Abigail Jiminian – Charlene Kelly – Alex Lapsys – Amelia Layne – Michael Mansor – Akosua Obeng – Vanessa Tannetta – Samantha Wahlberg – Angelica Wilson – Chanelle Wilson – Joshua Wilson.
Story and photos by Joe Kilroy
