2026 Exemplary Practice School: Huff Consolidated Elementary and Middle School

Improving Student Attendance and Academics

In 2023, an analysis of West Virginia Balanced Scorecard data, Rigor Walk 2.0 observations, and stakeholder feedback revealed that chronic absenteeism, 36% in 2022–2023, was limiting academic progress despite strong instruction at Huff Consolidated Elementary and Middle School. Attendance rates were below state benchmarks, and feedback from Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), counselors, and families indicated weak student connections to school. 

In collaboration with staff, families, and the Local School Improvement Council (LSIC), Huff Consolidated Elementary and Middle School established goals to reduce chronic absenteeism below 20% within three years. EL Education’s Crew model was implemented to strengthen relationships, increase student belonging, and improve attendance and academic outcomes, with targeted supports for chronically absent learners.

Resources included Crew training, restorative practices, Communities In Schools support, and consistent family communication. Daily 20-minute Crew sessions established strong, multi-year student-adult relationships and taught Raider Traits (Respect, Compassion, Trustworthiness, Cooperation, Perseverance, Reflection). Students established goals, monitored their attendance and academic progress, and participated in team building and community circles.

Attendance strategies included celebrations for improvement, positive messaging, home visits for at-risk students, and daily check-ins. Chronic absenteeism at Huff Consolidated Elementary and Middle School decreased from 36% to 17.9% over a two-year period, laying a foundation for improvements in achievement and behavior and a positive school culture.