DEMING – September is Attendance Awareness Month, and both the City of Deming and Deming Public Schools are reminding families that every day in class makes a difference. The joint proclamation underscores the importance of consistent attendance as the foundation for student success.
Under New Mexico’s Attendance for Success Act, schools must track student attendance, create improvement plans, and provide support to families when absences become a concern. The law recognizes excused absences for family emergencies, tribal obligations, or religious commitments, but district leaders stress that missed days still affect learning. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing more than 10 percent of school days, or roughly two absences per month.
Deming Public Schools is offering tips for parents: set regular bedtime and morning routines, schedule appointments outside of school hours, and communicate with teachers if barriers arise. The district also relaunched Charlie’s Challenge, which encourages students to keep absences under five per semester as a simple way to stay on track academically.
In addition, each campus has developed its own School Site Attendance Improvement Plan, shaped by feedback from students, parents, and staff. Leaders say these steps reflect a community-wide commitment to helping every student succeed in school and beyond.