As schools across Colorado are once again open for in-person learning, state education officials have released a concerning report on the impact of post COVID-19 lockdowns on students. The numbers are alarming - more than a quarter of Colorado students were chronically absent from school last year, a significant increase from the previous school year.

According to the Colorado Department of Education, a student is considered chronically absent if they miss more than 10% of school, whether the absences are excused or not. This means that during the 2022-2023 school year, a staggering 269,582 students statewide were classified as chronically absent, the second-highest mark in the past six school years.

This is a sharp contrast to the years prior to the pandemic, where the average rate of chronic absenteeism ranged between 18% to 24%.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Susana Córdova, Colorado's education commissioner, expressed her concerns over these numbers, stating that "every day a student is in school is an opportunity for them to learn, build relationships and access support."

Despite the decrease in chronic absenteeism from the previous school year, where 36% of students were classified as chronically absent, there is still a long way to go. It is vital that we prioritize the attendance of our students, as being present in school is crucial for their academic and social development.

The report also revealed that the grade levels with the highest chronic absenteeism rates were kindergarten, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, with all of them above 35%. This highlights the need for extra attention and support for these students, who may be struggling to cope with the post-lockdown changes in the education system.

It is crucial for students to be in school regularly, not only for their academic progress but also for the support and resources they can access. Reducing absenteeism should be a top priority for all stakeholders in the education system. The future of our children depends on it.