The well-to-do school community in Jackson Hole, Wyo., has plenty of positive attributes, including a 97 percent high school graduation rate and a 23 average ACT score among its college-bound students. But the district also has a problem with chronic absenteeism.

The Jackson Hole story was part of the focus of an AASA national conference session, “Overcoming Absenteeism,” on Friday morning. Those presenting on the subject were Michelle Bartsch, vice president of education at Cook Center for Human Connection in Salt Lake City, Utah; Anne Brown, president and CEO of Cook Center for Human Connection; and Gillian Chapman, superintendent of Teton County, Wyo., with schools in Jackson Hole.

Chapman introduced the town, emphasizing its positives before she mentioned negative factors that impact the students and families of Teton County, such as depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. What contributes to these mental problems, she added, involved income inequality and a lack of available and affordable housing.

Chapman then tackled chronic absenteeism, or when a student misses 10 percent or more of their school days. This issue can be traced back to mental health problems, bullying, unsafe school conditions and an unhealthy family environment. Chronic absenteeism can result in a lower grade point average and lower standardized test scores.

“Kids who miss school are the kids who need it the most,” she said.

Chapman established her school district’s initial plan to fix chronic absenteeism. This involved creating a positive school climate, minimizing obstacles, better communication with parents and students. She said she came to realize the most impactful way schools could combat chronic absenteeism was through human connections and relationships.

The Cook Center for Human Connection was the most impactful support network for her school district. It improved the issue of chronic absenteeism because “students now know they matter,” Chapman said.

Brown elaborated on why the Cook Center’s work can be so helpful to schools. The Cook Center offers support that is not available through other services, such as providing anonymity to those seeking help and 24-hour service. The center gives back to the community through projects such as the animated series “My Life is Worth Living,” the website parentguidance.org and grants to create “calm rooms” for students in schools.

Brown suggested four challenges prevent families from seeking mental health help for their children: accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability. The Cook Center addresses these problems for parents by placing a solution in their hands. It does so through on-demand help, their Mental Health Series and Parent Coaching services.

The Cook Center’s website features videos that aim to help parents with behavioral, social or environmental issues that may be affecting their children’s lives. This is a part of the on-demand help they offer, which includes more than 75 expert-led courses. As a part of their Mental Health Series, facilitators talk through issues with families. Their Parent Coaching service involves a certified coach who is available within 24 to 48 hours to speak to parents. This service is especially helpful, Brown includes, to parents without insurance or access to therapy.

If offered by a school, the Cook Center offers a badge on the school’s website which is easily accessible by parents and staff.

Near the end of the panel, Brown used a simple tagline to summarize the purpose and effect of the Cook Center. “We help educators help parents help children,” Brown said.

(Sia Moon, a junior at Benjamin Franklin High School, is an intern reporter with AASA’s Conference Daily Online.)