From the Desk of Patrick McKernan

October 20, 2023

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Dear USD 429 Families:
During the 2023-24 year, Troy Schools is participating in a pilot project with Harvard University with
rural schools across the country aimed at improving student attendance. We will be trying out a
new program in Infinite Campus called LIFT Up Attendance, which will provide families with a
monthly update via email and Infinite Campus Messenger/Parent Portal about their students’
attendance.
Because this is the first year we’re using this program, we will be initially trying out the program
with a small subset of families in our district. A randomized list of students will be selected to be
part of a pilot group that receives these monthly attendance updates. The goal is to create
awareness about the importance of attending school daily and to foster collaboration between
school and families. Please contact the school if you need assistance with addressing attendance
barriers. We have principals, teachers, school counselors, and student support specialists ready to
assist you.
We are excited to try out another communication tool from us to households, at no cost to our
district. Our first absentee letter will be going out by the first of November to those who have been
randomly selected.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Patrick E. McKernan
Superintendent of Schools