Attendance

"Two is Too Many"

Since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism in schools across the United States has reached record highs. In Hayward, we’ve made real progress—and we’re proud of the steps our community has taken. But we’re not done yet. At Hayward Promise Neighborhoods, we are committed to cutting chronic absenteeism in half—because every child deserves to be seen, feel safe, and belong at school.

Every day in school matters—starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school.

  • Children with consistent attendance in K–2 are more likely to read at grade level by 3rd grade, setting them up for lifelong learning.
  • Missing just 2 days a month adds up to nearly 3 months of lost learning by 2nd grade.
  • In later grades, regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of middle school success, high school graduation, and college readiness.

Whether it’s learning to read, passing algebra, or simply building friendships and confidence—being in school each day gives every child the best chance to grow, thrive, and reach their goals.

We’re here to support families, partner with schools, and work together to make daily attendance a reality for every student in Hayward.

We're Here To Help

HPN and 4Cs of Alameda are proud to partner with Alameda County Office of Education’s Positive Attendance Care Team to support families facing chronic absenteeism. We know there are real barriers—and we’re here to walk alongside you.

 

What is PACT?

The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) launched the Positive Attendance Care Team (PACT) to provide intensive, wraparound support for students experiencing severe attendance challenges. PACT brings together families, schools, community partners, and ACOE staff to address the root causes of chronic absenteeism and help students thrive.

Together, we coordinate services for families so that students can return to regular attendance and reach their full potential.

Meet our Family Navigator!

📞 Need support or someone to talk to? Connect with Michael Harris, our Community Resident Engagement Specialist for guidance, resource navigation, or just a listening ear. He works directly with assigned families to connect them to resources, coordinate supports, and follow through with schools and partners. Michael is the primary point of contact for families engaged in PACT.

For families with children ages 8 or younger, additional support is available through Fausto Rubio, Family Navigator with 4Cs of Alameda County. Fausto partners closely with Michael to ensure families receive coordinated care and resources tailored to their needs.

Who We Support

PACT focuses on families who have two or more students who face serious barriers to attendance:

  • Truant students – 20+ unexcused absences
  • Chronically absent students – 30% or more of days missed (excused or unexcused)
  • Disengaged students – stopped attending school altogether

Special priority is given to families with foster youth, students experiencing housing instability, students with disabilities, and newcomers.

Our Impact

HPN, 4Cs of Alameda, and ACOE are committed to tracking outcomes and sharing progress. Together, we aim to reduce chronic absenteeism, strengthen family supports, and build a culture of attendance across Hayward schools.