Menchville High and NNPS Win National Grand Prize for Innovative Attendance Strategy
Soccer-based program reduces chronic absenteeism among English Learners, earns top national award and scholarship funds
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Menchville High School and the Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) Attendance Department have been awarded the 2025 Attendance Innovation Awards Grand Prize by EveryDay Labs, a national organization focused on improving school attendance through behavioral science and family engagement.
The winning initiative centered on a student soccer league designed specifically for English Learners (ELs). By scheduling games on days when absenteeism was historically high, the program succeeded in boosting attendance and fostering student engagement. The initiative also incorporated academic components, including lessons in statistics and public speaking, to support student development beyond the field.
As a result of the program, chronic absenteeism among English Learners at Menchville High dropped from 33% to 29%, marking a four-point improvement. The award recognizes schools that creatively tackle attendance challenges and comes with a $5,000 scholarship for a graduating senior and $2,000 in incentives for future attendance-related programs.
EveryDay Labs praised the NNPS and Menchville teams for “rethinking how to transform student attendance with creativity and heart.” The organization, co-founded by Harvard professor Dr. Todd Rogers, has supported districts nationwide in reducing absences and improving academic engagement.
NNPS has prioritized daily attendance through updated policies and outreach efforts, emphasizing that even a single missed day can impact student achievement. District guidelines define chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of the school year.
The team behind the winning initiative will share their strategies during a live session on August 14.
A Newport News Daily contributor used AI and these sources:
EveryDay Labs 2025 Attendance Innovation Award Winners!
NNPS Attendance and Menchville High win 2025 Attendance Innovation Award
About EveryDay Labs
Newport News Public Schools attendance web page