As a parent of a child who can't achieve 100% attendance due to health conditions, I've witnessed how the traditional celebration of perfect attendance can unintentionally isolate many children. There are countless children who, for various legitimate reasons, cannot achieve this so-called 'gold standard'. Beyond just medical conditions that might cause absences, factors such as mental health issues or bereavement also have to be taken into consideration.

According to Mental Health in America, 7.7 million youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016. Those children can't always conform to traditional attendance protocol, yet they are deserving of recognition for their resilience and tenacity. Furthermore, the CDC reports that nearly 27% of children in the United States live with chronic health conditions, not allowing them to reach 100 percent attendance.

Our current celebration of perfect attendance can thus exclude almost a third of our students, valuing presence over individual health and well-being. It's a system in need of change. It's time we expand our notion of achievement and recognition, making it inclusive for all our children, regardless of their personal circumstances. Please sign this petition if you believe in crafting a new tradition that celebrates each child's unique achievements.