Pickerington Schools Team Up with the Columbus Crew to Help Students “Stay in the Game!”

Pickerington Schools Team Up with the Columbus Crew to Help Students “Stay in the Game!”

Pickerington Local Schools is taking a proactive approach to keeping students in class and on track for success through its partnership with the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, an initiative supported by the Columbus Crew.

The district officially became a Stay in the Game! All-Star District this school year, marking the next phase in its commitment to reducing chronic absenteeism and improving student achievement.

“Every day a student walks through our doors is another opportunity for growth,” said Superintendent Dr. Charles Smialek. “Consistency matters. When students make attendance a priority, they’re showing commitment not only to learning, but to themselves and their future.”

Attendance Matters — Every Day Counts

Each September, Pickerington Local Schools (PLSD) joins schools nationwide in observing Attendance Awareness Month. Daily attendance is critical to both academic and social-emotional growth, yet even small absences add up quickly:

• Missing just two days a month equals 20 days a year.
• That’s about 30 hours of math and 60 hours of reading and writing missed in a single school year.
• Over the course of a student’s education, those absences can total more than one full year of missed instruction.

“Attendance is not just about being present,” said Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Alesia Gillison. “We’re preparing students for lifelong success. When they show up every day—on time and ready to learn—they’re building habits that will carry them far beyond graduation. We’re asking our students to Stay in the Game at school, stay on track, and stay successful,” she emphasized.

Results that Show Progress

The district’s focus on improving attendance is yielding promising results. During the 2021–22 school year, Pickerington’s chronic absenteeism rate was 26.9%. By last school year, that number had dropped to 18.3%—a significant improvement and well below the state average of 25%.

This year, the district is continuing that positive trend. As of the first quarter of 2025–26, 65% of students have missed less than 5% of school, putting Pickerington on track to meet its yearly goal of 53.8% attendance improvement.

“These numbers show the Stay in the Game! approach is working,” said Engagement Coordinator Adrienne Bowden. “It’s not just about showing up—it’s about engagement, connection, and community. When families, teachers, and students work together, attendance improves, and so does learning.”

PLSD staff are also modeling what it means to Stay in the Game, demonstrating to students the importance of showing up every day. Nearly 400 staff members achieved perfect attendance during the month of September, setting a strong example of commitment and consistency across the district.

Building Momentum with Incentives

To keep students motivated, PLSD launched its Stay in the Game! Quarter 2 Incentive from October 20 through December 19. Students who missed 5% or less of school during that period—equivalent to 760 minutes, or two days—qualified for a special attendance reward scheduled for January 13, 2026.

Students in the Pickerington High School Central feeder will receive free admission and recognition during the PHSC Boys Basketball Game, while students in the Pickerington High School North feeder will enjoy free admission and recognition during the PHSN Girls Basketball Game that same evening.

“Improving attendance is truly a team effort,” said Pickerington High School North Assistant Principal Kimberley Cox. “We’re seeing firsthand how showing up every day builds confidence and connection. Our staff, families, and students all play a role in creating a culture where showing up matters. Together, we’re making daily attendance part of what it means to be successful in Pickerington.”

To further motivate students, the Pickerington High School North counseling department developed a creative game plan of their own—an engaging short story that illustrates the importance of Staying in the Game! when it comes to attendance. The story features Assistant Principal Kimberly Cox, known for her unique signature Wednesday referee uniform apparel, and connects the message of teamwork and perseverance directly to the classroom. 

Click HERE to read the "Staying in the Game Social Story."

“The idea behind the social story was to help our students understand the importance of attendance in a way that feels approachable and fun,” said PHSN School Counselor Eric Rutter. “By featuring Ms. Cox as the main character, we were able to highlight student supports available when students face challenges that keep them from coming to school. It’s a lighthearted reminder that being present each day keeps them connected, learning, and ‘in the game.’ ”

Recognizing Student Commitment

Violet Elementary, the value of their efforts is immeasurable–evident in the growing number of students being celebrated for their dedication to showing up every day.

“We were proud to recognize over 500 students this quarter during our Super Violet Assembly for achieving ‘perfect attendance,’ defined as being present 98% of the time or higher — including 310 students who had 100% attendance,” said Violet Elementary School Assistant Principal Lynsey Comer. “That’s an incredible accomplishment and a testament to our students’ and families’ commitment to being in school, on time, and ready to learn.”

Comer says the Stay in the Game! message is resonating, and that families are becoming more engaged and informed.

“Families are also sending in excusal letters from appointments more consistently than ever before. The initiative is clearly raising awareness about the impact of attendance and helping families better plan appointments around the school day.”

With the ongoing support of families, staff, and community partners like the Columbus Crew, Pickerington Local Schools is proving that when students Stay in the Game!, they keep learning every day—and everyone wins.

It’s one more way we live our district belief that — We are Greatness Together!

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Stay in the Game! By the Numbers

Pickerington Local Schools & the Columbus Crew

Our Goal:

Reduce chronic absenteeism and keep students learning every day.

Progress So Far:

• 26.9% → 18.3% decrease in chronic absenteeism since 2021–22
   
• 65% of students have missed less than 5% of school this year
   
• 400 staff members achieved perfect attendance in September
   
• 500+ students recognized for excellent attendance during Quarter 1

Quarter 2 Incentive:

Students who missed 5% or less of school between October 20–December 19, earn free admission and special recognition at the January 13, basketball games for:

• PHSC feeder: Boys Basketball Game
   
• PHSN feeder: Girls Basketball Game

“When students make attendance a priority, they’re showing commitment not only to learning, but to themselves and their future.”  — Dr. Charles Smialek, Superintendent

District Motto: We are, Greatness Together!