Sonora High School is celebrating a remarkable enhancement in student punctuality, achieving a reduction in daily tardies from an average of 100 per day to just a handful. This success stems from the school’s commitment to fostering a positive learning environment through engaging initiatives for both students and staff.

Principal Karen Sells noted that enhancing punctuality has led to a more focused classroom atmosphere. “Once students get here, they’re ready to learn,” Sells shared. The administration recognized that clear communication about time management would empower students to make timely arrivals.

Innovative Reminders Create a Positive Atmosphere

To support this, Administrator of Student Services Stacy Kroeze proposed an engaging solution: music. Now, 60 seconds before the bell rings, uplifting, school-appropriate music fills the campus, encouraging students to head to class in a lively manner. “Students have started arriving to class early, often settling into their seats before the music even begins,” Sells explained. “Yesterday, we had just two tardies; last Friday, only six. This is a huge shift from where we were.”

The addition of music has transformed the school environment, creating a positive and energetic atmosphere. “The vibe on campus is so positive,” Sells remarked. “Teachers are dancing, and students are singing along—it’s become something fun.” This lively atmosphere, combined with the encouragement from campus supervisors, has greatly contributed to the improved punctuality.

Empowering Families Through Communication

Another key factor in this success is the implementation of Minga, a school management platform that keeps parents informed when their child is tardy. This enhanced communication strengthens the partnership between school and home, encouraging parents to support their children in being on time.

Celebrating Student Success with Incentives

Sonora High School also prioritizes recognizing and rewarding students for their punctuality and good attendance. Through the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, students with no absences or tardies enjoy special treats like pizza or ice cream parties. Students who demonstrate PBIS values, improve attendance, or show positive behavior earn PBIS coins, which can be redeemed for exciting prizes or proudly displayed.

This focus on punctuality reflects community values, as local employers have highlighted the importance of dependable employees. “We want our students to succeed in the workforce, and teaching them the value of punctuality is a key part of that,” said Ed Pelfrey, Superintendent of Sonora Union High School District. “These initiatives not only help students arrive on time; they’re also preparing them for future success.”

Looking ahead, Sells mentioned plans to introduce more ways to celebrate students who maintain perfect attendance, such as offering longer lunch breaks or early dismissals from flex periods.

Broader Engagement for Overall Attendance

While punctuality has been a central focus, Sonora High is also committed to improving overall attendance. Kroeze has introduced a variety of engaging strategies to motivate students to attend school consistently. “Understanding that attendance issues often stem from deeper challenges allows us to provide more targeted support,” Kroeze explained.

The school has launched fun initiatives like #getyourselfietoschool, where students take selfies at designated spots on campus each day and post them on social media. Those who participate all week earn special rewards, like a lunch with friends. Additionally, during Homecoming month, students with perfect attendance are entered into raffles for prizes such as headphones and gift cards.

Kroeze’s team has also shifted the messaging on tardy slips to be more positive, emphasizing encouragement. “We want to let students know we’re glad they’re here, celebrating their presence rather than focusing solely on consequences,” she shared.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Success

As Sonora High continues to build on its achievements in punctuality and attendance, the school remains dedicated to sustaining progress through ongoing communication, student engagement, and positive reinforcement. “We’re fostering a culture where students want to be here,” Sells said. “It’s about encouraging accountability in a supportive environment.”

With innovative strategies like Minga and ongoing recognition for punctual students, Sonora High is poised to further its success. The school is continuously exploring additional ways to maintain student engagement and ensure they are present and ready to learn.

This focused approach has already resulted in a significant improvement in punctuality, creating a positive ripple effect on student engagement and overall school culture—a true win for both students and staff.