Winona Schools Take Approach From Popular Book Series

WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) – If you have school age children, you’ve probably heard the term Chronic Absenteeism.

That’s when a student misses more than 10% of their time enrolled.

It’s a problem in several school districts in our area, but one school district is tackling the issue head-on.

The Winona School district has the lowest percentage of absenteeism in Northeast Mississippi and one of the lowest in the entire state.

Their new approach isn’t seen as strict or disciplinary, per se.

No, they’re taking a page from a popular series of books, Harry Potter.

While the magic from J.K. Rowling’s series can’t be copied, the structure of the school can.

“All of our children are divided into four houses,” said Winona Elementary Principal, Tabitha McCrory.

The goal is to fight student absenteeism, well, by making kids want to come to school.

The concept comes after Winona School District decided to give their teachers just a little more training.

“A couple of years ago, our principals just discovered the Ron Clark Academy and wanted to take some of our teachers there and kind of see how that went,” said Winona Schools Superintendent, Dr. Teresa Jackson. “Well, they went, and people came back changed. They came back changed educators.”

Their change has become the catalyst to change the culture of the school.

“Each house competes for behavior, grades, and attendance,” said McCrory. “Then, at the end of the nine weeks, we have a big celebration for that house.”

“It makes them self-motivated to be at school and stay at school all day,” said 2nd Grade teacher, Amber Austin.

Points are given to the houses for each category, and having the most house points can result in rewards from pizza parties to not having to wear your uniform for the day.

In only the first year, the school has seen improvements in attendance.

“We’ve had so much school spirit this year,” said Austin. “I’ve been a teacher for 15 years, and this is the most school spirit I’ve ever seen.”

“The house system has been very instrumental in helping build camaraderie and teamwork in all things in attendance and grades and behavior,” said Jackson.

“With attendance, behavior, our discipline numbers have gone down, so yes. Children want to be here, and they’re doing very well,” said McCrory.

Incentives like breaks and exam exemptions are also offered on the middle and high school levels, but only if those students come to class.

With that, Winona sees attendance and participation every day.