Justice Verda Colvin urges Bibb students to attend school every day

The Georgia Supreme Court justice visited Union Elementary Monday for Attendance Awareness Week, with more events planned across Bibb County.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County schools are encouraging students to make daily attendance a priority this week and reminding families that being in class helps students stay on track academically.

Schools across the county are finding ways to encourage better attendance and keep students engaged.

Georgia Supreme Court Justice Verda Colvin was at Union Elementary School Monday for Attendance Awareness Week, encouraging students to show up and show out. Her message is clear: Being present matters, and every school day is a chance to learn and succeed.

“So, why do you need to show up every day? Number one you need to show up because you matter,” she said. “Number two, you’re learning. You’re learning words, sentences, math and you’re learning everything. So, if you don’t show up, guess what? You can’t show out. You show up and show out, by coming every single day, because this is your life.”

Colvin wants students to understand that now is the time to take their education seriously. She is encouraging them to recognize the importance of making the most of their opportunities today before it’s too late to change the course of their future.

“It’s not my life, it’s not your principal’s life, it’s not your teacher’s life,” she said .”It’s your life. My fifth graders show up and show out. If you don’t come to elementary school, you won’t come every day to middle school or high school. And guess what happens when you don’t come every day to high school? You drop out. And guess what? When you drop out, you will live in a state of poverty.”

Union Elementary School Assistant Principal Angelecia Latimore delivered an encouraging chant to her students, inspiring them with a positive message of confidence and unity.

“I just want you to remember this: We need to come to school every day, all day and on time,” Latimore said.

Schools across Bibb County will host events throughout the week as well, all with the goal of encouraging students to stay engaged, show up and make attendance a priority.