National Truancy Month Spotlight: JPS Dropout Prevention Team

As we continue recognizing August as National Truancy Month, we want to spotlight the incredible work of the JPS Dropout Prevention Team, a dedicated group providing support and resources to keep scholars engaged in school and on the path to graduation.

During the 2024–2025 school year, the team conducted 1,784 home visits to connect with scholars and families across the district. Their efforts were instrumental in helping 115 scholars return to school, many of whom had been absent since the first day of classes.

The Dropout Prevention Team plays a vital role in identifying, supporting, and re-engaging scholars at risk of dropping out. They assist families with registration, ensure proper school placement, and closely monitor scholars with chronic absences—all in support of JPS’s strategic goal to maintain a chronic absenteeism rate of 30% or below.

Beyond the numbers, their wins include re-engaging unhoused families and celebrating their academic progress at the end of the year. Their visible presence in neighborhoods across Jackson has built trust and opened doors to reconnect scholars with valuable educational opportunities.

If you know a scholar who is not currently enrolled or attending school, please contact the JPS Dropout Prevention Team at 601-960-8852.