How important can the first day of school be?  In Duval County in 2001, 10,000 students did not attend school on the first day. In addition to the critical information and teaching missed by students, the funding received by a district each school year is largely based on student attendance numbers during the first week of school.  Having thousands of kids get a late start results in decreased dollars for education.  Smaller budgets can mean fewer teachers in the classrooms and fewer learning opportunities for children.
 
This year —more than ever— classroom funding is critical for Northeast Florida. Since 2001, community awareness and partner involvement has made a dramatic difference; there has been a steady decrease in absenteeism during the critical first week.
 
In 2001, the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, community partners such as WorkSource, and the business community came together to create the "Uncool to Miss School" campaign.  The campaign sent brightly colored posters, flyers, bookmarks, and other materials to public places to help remind parents that "Success begins on Day One."  This year, partner Winn Dixie Corporation is including "Uncool to Miss School" information in advertising mailouts to every family in Duval County. The results of increased public awareness are impressive:
 
2001:   10,000 students absent the first day
2002:   Approximately 3,500 missed the first day
2003:   Less that 1,000 absent and by day two less than 100 students were absent
 
The partnership targets business, encouraging them to let  employees know that that August 9th is a big day for their children, and that the company is supportive. They hope that business will encourage employees to plan their schedules around getting their children to school.
 
WorkSource is displaying the "Uncool to Miss School" posters and fliers and handing out bookmarks to parents that visit career centers.