The Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) has been awarded the 2025 Golden Bell Promise Award for High Schools by the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA). The award recognizes GUHSD’s Attendance Matters: Show Up, Keep Up campaign, which began in 2023 to address chronic absenteeism across its schools.
According to the district, the initiative was created with support from the GUHSD Governing Board. Its main goals are to stress the importance of daily attendance, improve communication with families, build positive relationships within the school community, and use early intervention strategies to help students stay engaged.
The Golden Bell Promise Program Awards focus on student-centered initiatives that demonstrate leadership and a commitment to educational equity. In this context, GUHSD’s campaign has shown measurable results. Over two years, more than 5,700 fewer student absences have been recorded in the district. This decrease is linked to improved grade point averages and better graduation rates among students.
In a statement from GUHSD, officials said: “Glendale Union High School District extends its gratitude to families, staff, and community partners for their continued support of the Attendance Matters initiative. Parent partnership has played a vital role in reinforcing the importance of daily attendance and ensuring students are present, connected, and ready to learn.”
District leaders also noted their ongoing efforts: “As GUHSD continues to prepare students for college, career, and life, the district remains committed to building systems and supports that help every student succeed. The Golden Bell Promise Award serves as a meaningful affirmation of that work and the collective dedication of the GUHSD community.”
The recognition highlights GUHSD’s focus on reducing absenteeism as part of its broader strategy for supporting student achievement.
