Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Public School District announced on Wednesday the launch of a new student attendance lottery designed to encourage school attendance, and to reinforce the critical connection between being in school each day and academic success.
Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga will receive the names of eligible students for the month of January, and announce the first three winners in February.
Students who miss no more than one day of school in a given month will have their names entered into a monthly attendance lottery. Each month, the superintendent will randomly select three student names from the eligible students attending the district’s 60 schools.
"Every school day counts. We all know that students learn best and ultimately graduate on time when they are in school every day. Evidence shows there is a direct and powerful impact on student learning, academic achievement, and growth when students and families make attendance a priority," said Dr. Mubenga on Wednesday. "When students are in school, they have access to instruction, wellness supports, and opportunities that simply cannot be achieved when they are not in the classroom. This attendance lottery is a positive and engaging way to incentivize students to show up every day, stay committed to their education, and build good habits that will serve them well throughout their lives."
The monthly award amounts are as follows:
- The first student selected will receive $500.
- The second student selected will receive $300.
- The third student selected will receive $200.
- Total amount awarded each month: $1,000.
The attendance lottery is part of the district’s broader efforts to promote the value of students being in school each day and to create a culture that values daily attendance as a cornerstone of student success.
All awards will be generously donated by Say Yes Buffalo, rather than using district funds.
"Buffalo Public Schools extends its gratitude to Say Yes Buffalo and its Chief Executive Officer David Rust for supporting this initiative and investing in strategies that improve educational outcomes for all students. Say Yes Buffalo is proof that Buffalo is the City of Good Neighbors," Dr. Mubenga added.
Additional details regarding eligibility and monthly drawings will be shared with schools, students, and families prior to the February launch.