Did you know? Last year, nearly 40% of students in Cicero District 99 faced the challenge of chronic absenteeism.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more school days. This means that if one student misses 18 or more school days for the entire school year, they will be labeled chronically absent by the State of Illinois.

This is our call to action — and it is a hurdle we must overcome together!

This year, just over 2,500 of our students are on track to be chronically absent. But there’s good news — we can reverse this trend!

This isn’t just about statistics — it’s a reflection of lost potential.

This is why we are urging parents, students and community members to collaborate with us in fostering an environment where every school day counts. Whether it’s establishing consistent morning routines, understanding the academic consequences of absences, or participating in school activities, your involvement makes a difference.

The District is committed to identifying and addressing the underlying causes of absenteeism, from health and mental wellness support to improving transportation systems. We are dedicated to providing the necessary resources to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.