At the start of the school year, the Wiscasset High School student council wanted to increase attendance numbers for the school. So they created the “WHS Attendance Challenge.”

Students can sign a pledge saying they will always attend school unless they are sick, and the percentage of students from each class who show up to school is kept track of every day.

“At the end of the quarters the class with the best record is rewarded, like with a bowling trip to Augusta,” technology integrator and student council advisor Deb Pooler said. “We'll also have rewards spaced out through the year.”

According to Pooler, the challenge has made a difference and attendance rates are up this year.