How Clive Greenbelt Goats are helping chronically absent students

Crestview School of Inquiry students are the GOAT (greatest of all time) — so the City of Clive brought actual goats Tuesday to celebrate.

Why it matters: The party celebrated that Crestview elementary students have dramatically improved their attendance.

By the numbers: 22% of Crestview students were chronically absent two years ago. That improved to 5% this school year, according to a statement from Bryan Geelan, spokesperson for the West Des Moines school district.

• Chronic absenteeism occurs when a student misses 10% or more of their classes during an academic period.

How it started: Crestview launched a GOAT attendance initiative this year and awarded classrooms with a weekly traveling trophy if they had the highest attendance.

• The grand prize for the classroom with the highest attendance was a Greenbelt Goat party, but because the whole school improved, all students got to attend.
• Clive city staff brought out several goats, including a pregnant mama, for the students to pet and feed.

What they're saying: Some families have immigrated from countries where attendance isn't as important, Ashley Chase, a sixth grade teacher, tells Axios. So reaching out to parents has been a part of the initiative.

• "We also have the saying, 'be you, be here, belong,' so that really helps the students know that they're wanted at school," Chase says.