NORFOLK, Neb. -- School absences are surging across the nation, creating a turbulent environment in education and a hurdle for many students to graduate. Yet, Nebraska students appear to be faring better—particularly in Norfolk, according to Jared Oswald, Norfolk Director of Teaching and Learning. 

“We've been pretty fortunate in our district,” said Oswald. 

According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, nationally, about 15-20% of students are chronically absent. Compared to Nebraska, 11% of students reported some level of absenteeism, although not all cases are chronic.

“It’s certainly a concern for us,” said Oswald. “We never want to take that lightly but we haven't been hit as hard by that as other places in the nation have.”

A recent report from realcleareducation.com shows students often hold themselves for school because of cultural polarization, as well as fears and distrust in the school system not only caused by the pandemic, but recent school shootings.

“One of the things that we talk a lot about is creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere for our students, and students who feel that they are safe and they are valued are going to be more likely to want to be at school,” said Oswald.

But what can the administration do to help?

“We want to have conversations with their families,” said Oswald. “We want to have conversations with those students and see what we can do to support them so that they're seeing success, both behaviorally, academically, so they want to be in school with us.” 

While the reasons stem beyond just not wanting to earn an education, Oswald believes that like many public schools in Nebraska, Norfolk has the resources students need to get back in the classroom. 

“I would just encourage students to reach out,” said Oswald. “Reach out because we're here to help. Reach out to our administrators, reach out to the counselors, and reach out to your teachers and  what's worked together to get that student back into school and back into seeing some success.”