Continuing Efforts to Address Chronic Absenteeism: Northtowne Elementary Unveils "Stay in the Game!" Room

students standing shoulder to shoulder wearing stay in the game shirts

September 27, 2024 – Columbus City Schools continues its efforts to address chronic absenteeism by opening a new "Stay in the Game!" room at Northtowne Elementary School. In partnership with the Columbus Crew, this initiative offers students a dedicated space designed to promote attendance, build relationships, and provide a safe environment for positive social interactions.

students playing foosball "[The Stay in the Game rooms] are very exciting for students," said Family Ambassador Sarah Bowman. "It's something that they feel is a little bit more unique to their school, and they take pride in it. Those things really boost morale."

The "Stay in the Game!" room is part of a larger District-wide effort to create engaging environments that motivate students to attend school regularly. These specially designed rooms reward good attendance, encouraging students to see school as a place of support and excitement. With the space, Northtowne elevates its offerings to students, providing a welcoming environment with opportunities for play and personal growth.

"It's about more than sports; that's the gateway to help these students see what coming to school every day will get them," said Northtowne Principal Austin Taylor. "[Stay in the Game] allows students to see that great things are achievable when they come to school every day, or the best they can, consistently, and they work hard."

The room features amenities students might not access at home, such as new PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch consoles, foosball tables, and more. These additions make the space fun and give students a reason to look forward to being at school. By offering these unique experiences, the room encourages student buy-in to improve attendance rates across the District.

The creation of the "Stay in the Game!" room was made possible through a grant applied for by Northtowne Elementary. The school recognized the importance of providing a space where students could relax, connect, and feel proud of their environment. The SEL focus remains, with the added excitement of interactive activities that build camaraderie among students.

"This is an incredible enhancement to what we're already doing," said School Social Worker Dr. John Emmerich. "If we have [unique] things that students can take pride in and say, 'this is my school, this is my place, this is where I want to be,' it encourages them to come to school."

Columbus City Schools and the Crew have an important partnership that values student success while inspiring students to do their best daily. By working together, both organizations are helping to ensure that students attend school and are excited to be there. These "Stay in the Game!" rooms across the district are not just spaces for fun—they are vital tools in creating a more inclusive and motivating school experience.