LCSSP | FOCUS Program
Introducing the Attendance & Engagement FOCUS Program
an LCSSP Grant-Funded Project
The Attendance & Engagement FOCUS Program is an exciting and innovative initiative at Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD). It was created to help reduce chronic absenteeism, improve student engagement, and support families and schools in working together. Funded by the Learning Communities for School Success Program (LCSSP) grant, this program will run from 2023 to 2026 across the district, with the goal to sustain our efforts into the future through increased revenue due to higher ADA. The FOCUS Program is carefully designed to align with SCUSD’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), which focuses on creating equitable opportunities, strengthening family-school partnerships, and ensuring all students attend school regularly and succeed.
Annual Attendance Awareness Month Community Event
SCUSD launched the year with our 3rd Annual Attendance Awareness Month Community Event to acknowledge the importance of SHOWING UP! This year, the event was held on Saturday, October 5th, at Leonardo Da Vinci K-8, and it was a huge success! This exciting event is more than a celebration; it’s a chance to bring families, schools, and the community together to emphasize the importance of showing up each and every day, being engaged in learning and finding meaningful relationships in student success.
Event Highlights
Free Meals & Groceries
- Delicious meals provided by Drewskis and Central Kitchen.
- Free grocery boxes for families provided by Sacramento Food Bank
Live Music & Entertainment
- Performances by Reach One Alliance, 916 Ink Poetry Slam, Studio T Arts, and more.
- Student showcases from Cal Middle, C.K. McClatchy, and NorCal School of the Arts.
Community Resources
- Community based organizations like La Familia, Sac Chinese, the Black Parallel School Board and friends of Sacramento Public Libraries set up Information booths offering resources and support for families.
- District Offices and groups like College and Career Readiness, Homeless services, the CAC and Human Resources were there to inform families what they do and how they can support students.
Fun Activities for Kids
- Face painting, games, a Polaroid photo booth, and a live mural painting experience.
- Crispin Meet and Greet, SCUSD’s beloved mascot
Mark Your Calendars for Next Year!
We’re excited to host this event annually and invite all families to join us in celebrating attendance and community. Stay tuned for updates on next year’s Attendance Awareness Month Community Event, and let’s continue working together to ensure every student has the support and resources they need to succeed!
Our 10 FOCUS Sites:
| School | Telephone | Address |
|---|---|---|
|
Bret Harte |
(916) 395-5190 |
2751 9th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818 |
|
Caroline Wenzel |
(916) 395-4525 |
6870 Greenhaven Dr, Sacramento, CA 95831 |
|
Hollywood Park |
(916) 395-4590 |
4915 Harte Way, Sacramento, CA 95822 |
|
H.W. Harkness |
(916) 395-4585 |
2147 54th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95822 |
|
Isador Cohen |
(916) 395-4600 |
9025 Salmon Falls Dr, Sacramento, CA 95826 |
|
John Cabrillo |
(916) 395-4615 |
1141 Seamas Ave, Sacramento, CA 95822 |
|
John D. Sloat |
(916) 395-4620 |
7525 Candlewood Way, Sacramento, CA 95822 |
|
Martin Luther King, Jr. |
(916) 395-4645 |
480 Little River Way, Sacramento, CA 95831 |
|
Nicholas/CB Wire |
(916) 395-4655 |
5100 El Paraiso Ave, Sacramento, CA 95824 |
|
Suy |
(916) 395-4680 |
6032 36th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95824 |
FOCUS Stands for:
Fostering Positive School Climates: Creating welcoming environments to support student success.
Optimization Through Data: Using tools to track attendance and connect with families.
Customized Support: Tailored help for students to overcome challenges.
Uniting Families and Schools: Building strong partnerships for better outcomes.
Strategic Growth: Continuously improving to meet the needs of our students and community.
After our District-wide Annual Community Event, The FOCUS Program has three main components, all designed to work together:
FOCUS Site Support
This part of the program provides direct assistance to ten elementary schools selected for their high rates of chronic absenteeism. Each site benefits from specialized support tailored to meet its specific needs.
Key Features
- Dedicated Teams: Each school has a team consisting of a Child Welfare and Attendance Specialist (CWAS) and a Family Partnership Facilitator from the SCUSD FACE Team. These experts meet with school leaders to set goals for attendance, belonging, and connection, ensuring every student feels supported and we have defined outcomes to strive for based on each site’s individual data.
- Regular Visits: The FOCUS teams visit schools 2-3 times a month to build relationships with students, families, and staff, ensuring they understand and address the unique needs of each community.
- Data-Informed Goals: Schools use the EveryDay Pro Attendance and Engagement Data Dashboard to track attendance and set clear, measurable goals.
How We Support Schools
- Attendance Training for Staff: Office staff learn how to manage attendance data effectively using tools like Infinite Campus.
- Extra Resources: Schools can access additional funding for clerical hours to ensure attendance is prioritized.
Parent Teacher Home Visit Program (PTHV): Funded through the Office of Student Attendance & Engagement, this program fosters trust and engagement by encouraging home visits between teachers and families.
Family FOCUS Program
The Family FOCUS Program is a partnership between SCUSD’s Office of Student Attendance & Engagement and the Family & Community Empowerment (FACE) Office. This program is designed to bring families and schools together to build strong relationships, reduce absenteeism, and create a culture of success.
Key Features
- Monthly Parent Workshops: These free workshops provide families with tools and strategies to manage challenges like stress, anxiety, and balancing technology use at home.
- Family Activity Nights: Fun, hands-on events aligned with workshop themes that promote family bonding and reduce stress. Families enjoy free meals, childcare, and activities, ensuring everyone can participate.
How We Support Families
- Workshops That Matter: Topics include building routines, managing emotions, and navigating school resources.
- Family Engagement Nights: Examples include:
- October: Ready, Set, Succeed! with a framing activity to set goals.
- February: Paint & Play family art extravaganza to explore emotions.
- May: Pokémon Fun night to celebrate family connections.
| Month | Workshop Topic | Family Engagement Activity |
|---|---|---|
|
October |
Ready, Set, Succeed! |
Framing the Year for Success |
|
November |
Calm Minds, Confident Kids |
Stories, Supper, and Serenity |
|
December |
Gathering Around Traditions |
Feast, Fun, and Family Traditions |
|
January (2025) |
Digital Balance |
Tech-Free Fun Night |
|
February |
Inside Out: Exploring Emotions |
Paint & Play: A Family Art Extravaganza |
|
March |
Your School, Your Success |
Present & Playing: Attendance Bingo |
|
April |
Healthy Habits: Growing Strong Together |
Paint & Plant: Growing Together |
|
May/June |
Summer Vibes: Engaging in Our Community |
Together We Shine: End-of-Year Event |
Program Greatness
Program Greatness is a unique component of FOCUS that focuses on students who need additional support. It combines whole-school engagement with targeted mentorship for students most at risk of chronic absenteeism. Through our multi-year partnership with Reach One Alliance and Kevin Bracy we have built a comprehensive curriculum that is proving its value through improved attendance rates, positive impact and ongoing demand.
Key Features
- Whole-School Events (Tier 1): Program Greatness builds a positive culture with school-wide activities designed to engage and excite students.
- Motivational Kickoff: Kevin Bracy’s “In It to Win It” chant rally inspires the entire school community with messages of kindness, perseverance, and showing up.
- Rockin’ Recess and Glow Party: School-wide events like these celebrate attendance, foster joy, and involve families in meaningful ways.
- Greatness Squad: Targeted Mentorship (Tier 2): A five-week mentorship program for selected students, focusing on academic guidance, emotional support, and building resilience. Focuses on African American, Native American, and Pacific Islander boys in grades 4–6, providing support to help them overcome challenges.
Why FOCUS Matters
The FOCUS Program is designed specifically for the students and families of SCUSD, informed by data and community input. It addresses both the broad needs of entire schools and the unique challenges of individual students. By bringing together schools, families, and communities, FOCUS ensures that every child has the opportunity to attend school regularly and succeed.
For more information, please contact your school’s FOCUS team or the SCUSD Office of Student Attendance & Engagement. Together, let’s help every student show up, thrive, and succeed!
