CMSD schools continue to find creative and effective ways to tackle chronic absenteeism.  This year, students can prepare for the excitement of the Cleveland Browns Flag-In-Schools attendance initiative.

CMSD has teamed up with Stay in the Game! Network and the hometown team to create an attendance campaign. The effort is designed to encourage students to attend school daily, by providing exciting activities during their physical education classes.

“We’ve just launched a new initiative for CMSD schools called Flag-In-Schools,” said Football Coordinator, Hannah Lee.”

“We provide tool kits, flag belts, footballs, and a ten-tier lesson curriculum that teachers can implement throughout the course of the school year. We do gym take-overs in partnership with Stay in the Game. We provide a guest player, and then take over a teacher’s gym class,” she said.

The first to be rewarded for their attendance spirit and to receive recognition for their efforts were the eager students of Paul Dunbar Elementary. As they hurried into the gymnasium during the all-school assembly to take their seats in the bleachers, students were ecstatic to be greeted with high-fives from the Cleveland Browns’ mascot, Chomps. But then the real treat came when students were surprised by the guest appearance of Cleveland Browns cornerbacks Cameron Mitchell and Greg Newsome II.

“Today’s event really gave us a chance to stress to the kids how important it is to stay in school,” said Newsome.

“I’ve told them before and I know they don’t want to keep hearing it but listen to your parents, and get your education,” said the Browns' former first-round draft pick.

“We had a great time interacting with the kids and we love their energy,” Mitchell added.

Packed with fun and surprises, the Gym Class Takeover offered hands-on instruction.

Students were given an opportunity to interact with the players by asking questions and participating in six activity stations of the flag football clinic.

“We’ve partnered with CMSD and the Stay in the Game attendance campaign because we know that engagement is a really important piece for kids wanting to come to school every day,” stated Lizzie Heidenreich, Manager of the Cleveland Browns Foundation.

“Part of that excitement is around gym class and playing sports, so it’s a really natural tie between the two programs, and we are hoping that by creating these fun engagement opportunities, where everyone can participate, we will also help increase attendance rates,” Heidenreich added.

After students showed off their football skills to the pros, Newsome presented each student with a NIKE ‘Gym Class Takeover’ T-shirt. The players brought additional T-shirts, which will serve as incentives throughout the school year to encourage increased school attendance.

“We are all very excited and appreciate all of the energy around getting the students to school,” said Principal Courine Elias.