Lemelson STEM Academy Boosts Student Attendance Through Community Partnerships

Dorothy Lemelson S.T.E.M. Academy increased its attendance rate to over 86% by the end of the 2025-26 school year, according to school administration. The PK-5 institution in the Washoe County School District used targeted outreach and a $1,000 grant from Nevada Athletics to reduce chronic absenteeism from 19% to approximately 11.5%.

Principal Susan Novelli and social worker Sean Brosius identified attendance as the primary driver for student success. By the end of the 2024-25 school year, the school’s attendance rate sat below 80%, with 31 students missing more than 21 days of school.

The school set a goal of 85% attendance for the following year. Early results showed a 95.83% attendance rate after the first month, which Brosius attributed to a pivot toward supporting high-risk students and involving families in decision-making.

Did You Know? On Sept. 24, the Wolf Pack selected Lemelson as a recipient of a $1,000 grant through “Extra Yard For Teachers,” a platform created by the College Football Playoff Foundation.

How did Lemelson S.T.E.M. Academy improve attendance?

Staff implemented an “Attendance Awareness” spirit week from September 8-12, featuring daily raffles during lunch periods and a Movie Night. These efforts focused on creating a sense of community and belonging for students.

The school also increased outreach to parents, which led to the formation of organic carpool groups. According to Brosius, some families began picking up neighborhood children without prompting from school staff.

To support these efforts, Lemelson used grant funds to purchase gas cards for parents who managed the carpooling. This initiative helped keep families engaged and ensured students had reliable transportation.

What impact did the Nevada Athletics grant have?

The $1,000 grant allowed the school to “up the ante” for student incentives, according to Brosius. The funds were used to buy soccer balls, STEM kits, board games, and age-appropriate toys for weekly attendance raffles.

Novelli stated that the school used the money for both random raffles and specific attendance challenges, including one for kindergarten that she described as extremely successful.

Beyond financial aid, the school maintained a relationship with the University of Nevada. This included visits from the mascot, cheerleaders, the women’s basketball team, and engineering students who worked with children on design processes.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the integration of community figures—such as college athletes and engineers—creates a tangible link between primary education and future aspirations. By tying attendance to high-visibility rewards and mentorship, the school shifted the perception of attendance from a requirement to a community-driven benefit.

What were the academic and social results?

Administration reported broad improvements in student confidence and performance. Novelli observed that students who attended consistently showed growth in math and reading knowledge.

Nevada Athletics, Extra Yard For Teachers Team With Lemelson STEM Academy To Boost Attendance

Social-emotional growth was also evident, with students demonstrating a better ability to work in groups and partners. Novelli noted that conflicts at recess decreased as students built more familiarity and community.

Brosius stated that the results align with research suggesting students attend school more consistently when they feel they belong and have a caring adult present.

What happens next for the Soaring Eagles?

The school concluded the year on June 8 with a campus-wide Field Day. Staff expressed optimism that the momentum from the 2025-26 term could carry over into the 2026-27 academic year.

Future efforts may continue to leverage the relationship with Nevada Athletics, as students have previously participated in tennis clinics and attended “When I Grow Up” basketball games. This ongoing community connection is likely to remain a core part of the school’s retention strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the specific attendance goal for the 2025-26 school year?
The school set an ambitious goal to achieve an 85% attendance rate.

How did the school use the “Extra Yard For Teachers” grant?
The $1,000 grant was used to purchase raffle prizes like STEM kits and soccer balls, as well as gas cards for parents who organized carpools.

How did chronic absenteeism change over the year?
Chronic absenteeism dropped from 19% at the end of the 2024-25 school year to approximately 11.5% by the end of the 2025-26 school year.

Do you believe community partnerships with universities are effective tools for improving primary school attendance?