First N.E.S.T. Day a Great Success
(submitted by Student Services) - Thanks and congratulations to all 25 elementary schools who chose to participate in the first annual “No Empty Seat Day” campaign. The campaign was open to elementary schools valley wide to increase awareness of the importance of school attendance. Our district’s elementary schools increased attendance rates 25% on N.E.S.T. day. Special recognition and awards for perfect or near perfect attendance went to Backman, Escalante, Newman, Riley, Rose Park, and Washington Elementary schools. In addition, Indian Hills, Bennion, Parkview, and Hawthorne received special classroom recognitions.
The N.E.S.T. kick-off event was held at Washington Elementary School. Many city and county dignitaries were there to lend their support, including Mayor Carroon, JoAnn Milner from Mayor Becker’s office, and Sim Gill, District Attorney. Juvenile Court, Health Department, Youth Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salt Lake Police Department, and five school districts were also represented, illustrating that the entire community understands the importance of daily school attendance.
Thanks to Becky Pittam at Washington and to MaryMargaret Williams and cheerleaders at West High School for helping make the day a success. N.E.S.T. will continue this coming year under the direction of Abby Dean, Attendance Specialist. Call her at (801) 578-8274 if you want to participate. N.E.S.T. is sponsored in conjunction with Salt Lake County’s Commission on Youth.
