Climate Connections: Why Metro-Nashville Students Show Up

It’s no secret that the last few years have presented big challenges for educators working to get more students back in the classroom and motivated to learn every day. With innovative initiatives, the Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) team is going beyond pandemic recovery and building unmissable school experiences.

In a recent live session, Dr. Carol Brown, Director of Attendance Services at MNPS, sat down with the Everyday Labs team to discuss how the second-largest district in Tennessee is nearing its pre-pandemic attendance levels. The secret? It isn't just about tracking days; it’s about relationships, mindset shifts, and a lot of fun. 

Read on for the key takeaways from our conversation on why Nashville students are showing up, and having fun doing it.

Shifting the Focus: From Truancy to Chronic Absenteeism

Just like many districts across the nation, MNPS used to focus more on truancy.  But whether an absence is excused or unexcused, it still adds up to missed learning. “At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter why you're not there. If you're not able to be in the classroom, receiving that direct instruction, then it is impacting you and your ability to grow and achieve academically,” shared Dr. Brown. "Absenteeism is just a symptom of something else," 

By looking at the bigger picture, including excused absences, unexcused absences, and even out-of-school suspensions, staff can better identify the real barriers families face and provide the needed support. This shift allows the district to move away from punitive measures and toward supportive interventions.

Climate is Critical, and Under Our Control

Dr. Brown emphasized that while some factors lie outside a school’s bailiwick (homelessness, students working or caring for siblings, etc), school climate is something educators can influence every single day. But incorporating student voice is critical. That’s why MNPS uses data from regular climate surveys to drive their strategy and initiatives, creating a warm and welcoming environment where: 

• Students feel seen: We all like to know that we’re missed when we’re gone.
• The environment is inviting: Whether it’s an old building with character or a shiny new campus, the space must nurture a community where relevant learning happens.
• Relationships come first: Strong bonds across students and staff are a huge predictor of attendance. Even having a genuine connection to just one person makes a difference.
• Consistent faces: “Classroom Associates” are assigned to specific schools and serve in different capacities throughout the building. Instead of anonymous substitutes, students see a familiar face even when their regular teacher is out.

Proactive Initiatives and Incentives

MNPS doesn't just talk about attendance; they celebrate it. Their Attendance Matters: All Day, Every Day campaign has been an effective and resonant messaging strategy to help everyone understand that consistently showing up makes a difference.

And they’ve learned (perhaps like many of us) that stuff isn't what makes us whole in the long run. When it comes to incentives, especially for older students, relationship-based rewards often beat out material ones. Classrooms and schools with strong attendance are rewarded with experiences that bring everyone together, such as:

• Sneaker Balls: where elegant attire meets cool kicks 
• TikTok parties: students get time to participate in and record the latest trends, or maybe even start a new one of their own. 
• More memorable moments: Extra time with friends, lunch with the principal, or music played over the PA system between classes.

Leveraging Data-Driven Partnerships

Scaling support for nearly 80,000 students requires more than just "boots on the ground." It requires smart technology and strategic partnerships. That’s why MNPS also partners with Everyday Labs to provide students and families with a critical layer of support.

“The attendance nudges and communication from Everyday Labs and the personalization of the communications with each individual student and their family, it really, really has made a difference and an impact on our attendance. About 97% of all of the schools that are participating in our piloted partnership this year are meeting all of their attendance goals.”

By leveraging this behavioral, data-driven approach, MNPS is able to:  

• Send personalized, multilingual mail and text nudges in a family’s native language 
• Gain insights into barriers and root causes of chronic absenteeism and connect families to the needed resources to get them back on track
• Dive into individual student data and track student progress: “We can look at when our intervention started versus when the nudges started with Everyday Labs and the impact it's having: if students are progressing, if they stay the same or if more interventions need to be put in place,” shared Dr. Brown. 
• Find more time to do the important work of relationship-building. 

‍The Bottom Line

Improving attendance and school climate isn't a one-department job; it’s a district-wide culture shift. By keeping the "Every Student Known" mantra at their core, Metro Nashville is proving that when students feel like they belong, they don't just show up, but thrive.

Want to dive deeper into the strategies mentioned? Join our K-12 Attendance Network on LinkedIn to connect with other educators and access the full recording of this live session!

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