Mayor and Superintendent Welcome Students Back to School

The day before the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Superintendent Mary Skipper joined volunteers to welcome students back to school. Every year, volunteers from Boston Public Schools, the Boston Private Industry Council, and other partner organizations knock on the doors of students living in the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Jamaica Plain neighborhoods who struggle with attendance or have left school altogether.  

Volunteers introduced students to the Re-Engagement Center, a partnership between BPS and the PIC that provides resources and support for those looking to return to school. The BPS Office of Opportunity Youth, which is working to reduce chronic absenteeism, partners with the Re-Engagement Center on both canvassing and follow-up with students. This year, over 50 volunteers joined the effort, reaching over 200 households. They also provided students with backpacks and gift cards to their choice of Stop & Shop, Marshall’s, or Tropical Foods.  

Both Mayor Wu and Superintendent Skipper spoke to volunteers, emphasizing the importance of listening to students. Says Mayor Wu, “The most personal and most important [thing] is hearing directly from our young people; what they need, how life is going right now, and what we can be doing to help fill in some of those gaps and provide even more support.”  

A variety of factors contribute to absenteeism, including illness, behavioral issues, or bullying. The Re-Engagement Center’s approach to supporting each student is as different as their reasons for disconnection. Throughout the school year, the REC works with students to review transcripts, make referrals to night school or day classes, help enroll in an appropriate BPS high school or alternative program, and more. Last year, the REC helped nearly 750 students. 

Superintendent Skipper shared a story about a young woman reached during last year’s door knocking event who was disconnected from school but wished to become a nurse. “We were able to connect that student with one of our alternative schools that has a different schedule, and that student enrolled and is working toward community college,” says Superintendent Skipper.  

Re-engagement efforts have had a motivating effect on students: the city has projected a 4-6% decrease in chronic absenteeism between this year and last, and a 7-10% decrease over the past two years. Says Mayor Wu, “This is an effort that has impacts all throughout the school year and also every year beyond in that young person’s life.”  

We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Mayor Wu, Superintendent Skipper, and all the volunteers who took the time to connect with students. A special thank you to Stop & Shop and Tropical Foods for their generous donation of gift cards. 

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