Chronic absenteeism is a serious challenge, but 2025 offered powerful reasons to believe it’s solvable. We saw students return to class, families get the support they needed, partners step up in new ways, and systems begin to shift. Each moment is a reminder that by showing up, again and again, we can rewrite the story. The

Every act of kindness helps us step in sooner, show up stronger, and support more kids. In uncertain times, kids need something steady to hold onto. For some, a stable home provides that foundation. Not all are so fortunate. Today, nearly half of U.S. families with children under six struggle to meet at least one basic

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize many students’ unseen battles. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-SAFE for support and help locating a nearby shelter. RAINN.org also provides free, confidential support services and information for survivors of sexual violence. “Be kind, for

When TIP first opened its doors in 1991, the challenges students and families faced were very real, driven by factors like poverty and systemic barriers. But nearly 35 years ago, they were different in scale and intensity. Over the decades, the landscape has evolved. Absenteeism has surged, fueled by worsening inequality, housing insecurity, the COVID crisis,

The first few weeks of school set the tone for the entire year. That’s why Attendance Awareness Month, observed every September, is so important. Research from Attendance Works shows that half of students who miss just two to four days this month will go on to miss nearly a month of school over the course of

The new school year is right around the corner. Let’s make sure your child is ready to show up strong! Whether your child attends Atlanta Public Schools (APS) or Fulton County Schools (FCS), we’ve got you covered. These two districts have different calendars, events, and websites, so it’s important to find out which school district you

Here’s how TIP is helping rewrite them. We’re surrounded by numbers—how many families can’t afford housing, how many children go to school hungry. In a world where our neighbors face unthinkable hardships daily, it’s easy to become numb. But chronic absenteeism isn’t just another statistic. It’s often a direct result of these same challenges, and it

Why Every Presence Matters, Now More Than Ever Dear TIP Community, You’ll be hearing a lot more from us in the coming months as we ramp up our marketing, outreach, strategic planning, and community partnerships. Before we jump into all the exciting work ahead, I’d like to formally introduce myself. My name is Tonya Malone Ferguson,