Group shot of students in a classroom with Eddie the Eagle stuffed animal

At Porter Traditional School, students are showing up—and showing out—for a special September challenge. Each week, elementary classes compete to win the best attendance and take home a very special prize: Eddie the Eagle.

Eddie is a stuffed animal that joins the winning classroom for the week. Students bring him to art, music, and even use him during quiet reading time. “Eddie watches us learn every day in our reading corner,” explained Menor, a fourth-grade student at Porter Traditional.

The challenge is part of Attendance Awareness Month. Each Friday, the school runs a report to determine which class has the fewest absences, tardies, and early checkouts. The winner is announced during the schoolwide Star Quality Show.

“Students love to compete against other classes to earn Eddie the Eagle,” shared Principal Kaitlyn Engelmeier-Foor. “They don’t want to let their classmates down. They want to work together to earn the prize.”

Teachers are just as excited—maybe even more than the students. “If teachers buy into the challenge, it turns into our students buying in more,” Engelmeier-Foor explained. “Teachers are getting excited to compete against other classes as well.”

That energy spreads throughout the school. When teachers show how much they care about attendance, students follow their lead. “Teachers are reminding students that absences are for emergencies or illness only,” said Engelmeier-Foor. “And our front office team reminds parents that appointments should be made around school hours as much as possible.”

Students shared that the challenge is fun and meaningful. “I like Eagles, and Eddie is a cute name for the Eagle,” shared Tristan, a fifth-grade student. “It’s fun to compete against different classes for attendance.”

Coming to school everyday matters. “So, you can learn more and not miss out on fun events at school,” explained Tristan. Menor added, “It’s important to come to school to make friends, have fun, make choices and learn!”

With Eddie the Eagle flying from class to class, Porter students are learning that showing up is something to celebrate—and that learning starts with being present.