{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Autonome","title":"From Attendance Recovery to Wellness: Innovative Approaches in Student Services at Banning Unified","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/04938474\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2249,"description":"In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Moises M. Merlos, Director of Student Services at Banning Unified School District. With more than two decades in public education, Moises shares how his journey, from aspiring medical professional to district leader, shaped a deeply student-centered approach to systems change.\n\nFran and Moises explore how attendance, school connectedness, and social-emotional supports intersect to drive student success. Moises walks through Banning USD’s comprehensive strategy: attendance recovery programs, wellness centers, expanded learning, community partnerships, and incentive systems designed to reengage students and families. The conversation highlights why improving attendance is about more than funding, it’s about belonging, trust, and consistent adult relationships.\n\nThey also discuss how rural context shapes student needs, why middle school requires targeted supports, and how strong Tier 1–3 systems can serve the whole child. Throughout the episode, Moises emphasizes purposeful change, clear communication, and hands-on leadership as essential ingredients for sustainable impact.\n\nKey Moments\n\n\n05:03 \"Focusing on Whole-Child Support\"\n\n09:42 Boosting Attendance Through Engagement Programs\n\n11:45 School Wellness Centers Boost Support\n\n16:04 TK & Kindergarten Post-Pandemic Struggles\n\n20:12 \"Full-Day TK and Kindergarten\"\n\n21:54 Elementary STEAM Centers Expansion\n\n26:27 \"Commitment to Growth and Community\"\n\n30:35 \"Effective Communication and Purpose\"\n\n32:37 \"Building Strong Tiered Support\"\n\n36:13 Addressing Absenteeism and Engagement\n\nWhy You’ll Love This Episode\n\n\nThis conversation offers a practical, systems-level look at how districts can redesign student services to improve attendance, engagement, and wellbeing. Moises shares concrete examples, from wellness centers to community shoe drives, that show how small, thoughtful interventions can remove barriers to learning.\n\nYou’ll...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/seTJ6nScwCspveU8Z82YbH5eLfeDGipVEqgHAPCWjo0/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wMzBl/YTQ4NzQyYmUzYWIy/MDM2ODk4YmQ5N2Yz/NmU1Mi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}