Upcoming Webinar:

Promoting Attendance and Reducing Chronic Absenteeism | Renewed Focus on School Connectedness and Student Engagement

April 28, 2026 | 10:00-11:00 AM Pacific

Register

Description:

This session will explore the connection between students’ connectedness and engagement at school and their attendance. The session will begin with an overview of research that emphasized a need for strong school connections, especially for students who struggle with attendance. Hawthorne School District will discuss its renewed focus on strong connections to reduce chronic absenteeism.

This is a 60-minute webinar. All participants are invited to stay for an additional 30 minutes after the webinar concludes to ask questions of the presenter and engage in peer-to-peer discussion. 

Presenters:

Rudy Salas is the Director of Pupil Personnel Services for Hawthorne School District in southern California. With 26 years in education, he has served as a classroom teacher, English Learner specialist, assistant principal, principal, and coordinator of curriculum and instruction. He is committed to strengthening student connectedness and improving attendance outcomes.

Jenny Betz (she/they) is a Senior Program Associate with WestEd’s Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities team, providing professional development, coaching, and technical assistance to support inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments. With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and education fields, Betz has supported hundreds of state, regional, and local education agencies in advancing school climate, social-emotional learning (SEL), equity, and educator wellness through strategies including culturally responsive practices, trauma-informed approaches, student leadership, community engagement, LGBTQ+ inclusion, bias-based bullying prevention, and effective data use. Betz also brings experience supporting district and school teams with strategic planning, implementation design, and improvement strategies that promote sustainability and alignment with local goals. Their work is grounded in collaboration, reflection, and a commitment to equity and continuous learning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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