For the second consecutive year, the San Diego Padres are partnering with San Diego Unified School District to combat chronic absenteeism through the expanded "Be a Pro and Always Go" attendance campaign. Building on last year's successful collaboration, this year's initiative emphasizes the critical importance of consistent school attendance for academic achievement and long-term success.
Research consistently shows the profound impact of regular attendance:
- Children who attend school regularly perform 25 percent better in reading and math
- Missing just 10 percent of kindergarten is associated with lower academic performance in first grade
- By third grade, consistent attendance is directly linked to reading proficiency
- Students who attend regularly are twice as likely to graduate on time
- Even missing just one or two days per month significantly impacts learning
The competition focuses on 46 schools with the highest rates of chronic absenteeism. These schools were selected based on attendance data from the previous school year, with particular focus on those most impacted by pandemic-related challenges.
Running from March 17 to May 9, the campaign offers substantial incentives:
- 1,000 Padres game tickets for the students who improve attendance
- Surprise visits from the Padres Friar at key campaign milestones
- Additional rewards including SeaWorld tickets, Padres merchandise, and school supplies
- Special recognition event for the school with the most significant improvement
- Dedicated Padres game celebration for the winning school
Participating Schools
Adams Elementary, Alcott Elementary, Audubon K-8, Baker Elementary, Bell Middle, Burbank Elementary, Carson Elementary, Chollas/Mead Elementary, Clark Middle, Crown Point Elementary, Emerson Elementary, Encanto Elementary, Field Elementary, Fletcher Elementary, Foster Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Fulton K-8, Golden Hill K-8, Hage Elementary, Hamilton Elementary, Hardy Elementary, Horton Elementary, Innovation Middle, Jones Elementary, Juarez Elementary, Kimbrough Elementary, Knox Middle, Lafayette Elementary, Linda Vista Elementary, Millennial Tech Middle, Montgomery Middle, Mountain View School, Normal Heights Elementary, Nye Elementary, Oak Park Elementary, Pacific View Leadership Elementary, Paradise Hills Elementary, Pendleton Elementary, Perry Elementary, Rodriguez Elementary, Ross Elementary, Sherman Elementary, Valencia Park Elementary, Webster Elementary, Whitman Elementary, and Zamorano Elementary.