City of Seattle Mike McGinn, Mayor

Seattle Sounders FC, Microsoft Congratulate Aki Kurose Middle School and Celebrate Citywide Attendance Campaign

Microsoft and representatives of the Seattle Sounders ended the school year at Aki Kurose Middle School, congratulating the school for having the most improved middle school average daily attendance compared to last year.

SEATTLE – Students at Aki Kurose Middle School received a special visit from Mayor McGinn and representatives from the Seattle Sounders FC and Microsoft on Wednesday as the Be Here Get There attendance campaign comes to a close for the school year. Aki Kurose Middle School was rewarded with Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream for having the most improved middle school average daily attendance this year as compared to the 2010-2011 school year.

"Students, staff and families did a fantastic job making sure that students here at Aki Kurose were encouraged to get to school, be in class and see the value of their education," said Principal Mia Williams. "We are excited to celebrate this success."

"Closing the achievement gap starts with getting students into the classroom," said McGinn. "I'm proud of everyone who contributed to improved attendance at Aki Kurose and at schools across the city. I also want to thank all of the community partners for their help in supporting the attendance campaign."

During their visit on Wednesday, former Sounders player Taylor Graham congratulated Aki Kurose students for their successful attendance improvement this school year, as well as sharing the importance of continued school attendance. Attendance campaign sponsor Microsoft joined in the celebration.

"Whether it's on the field or in the classroom, you have to show up to succeed," said Graham. "Students here at Aki Kurose made the commitment to succeed in school."

"We know that when kids are in class, they have more opportunities to learn and their teachers have more opportunities to teach. This challenge is a simple but impactful way to help close the opportunity divide for Seattle's kids." said Microsoft representative Jane Broom.

The Be Here Get There attendance campaign launched in October and is a collaboration between the City of Seattle, Seattle Public Schools, the Alliance for Education, and Get Schooled, which aims to make schools engaging and attractive to students by rewarding students for having excellent attendance. The campaign uses strategies for students, schools, families and the community to improve school attendance.

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