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"Oklahoma City Public Schools are trying to get kids pumped up for school, officials said.For the first time ever, they went door to door Wednesday, encouraging pre-enrollment. Organizers say every kid they get is one more than they had. They say the campaign raises awareness, instills pride and gets kids excited about going back to school.\"They're worried about the kids, so I'm trying to be worried about the kids too,\" said Charles Mitchell, whose son Jayden, 10, attends Oklahoma City Public Schools.Officials talked to Mitchell as he was taking a break from mowing his lawn. Oklahoma City Public Schools have been plagued by low attendance the first day of school in recent years. Studies show parents don't understand the importance of making it a priority to have their kids in class the very first day.\"They were getting me excited. I'm excited too, because I get a break,\" said Mitchell, whose son recently moved to Oklahoma from Texas.In response to the low numbers, officials and volunteers are going door to door in neighborhoods along bus routes, helping parents understand how to pre-enroll their kids.\"I just want my son to learn, get a good education, and that's it,\" said Mitchell, who wasn't sure how to enroll Jayden, and what school Jayden would be attending.The campaign gives school officials a chance to meet parents, and thank them for their support.\"Studies have found that if they're there on the very first day, they will be OK,\" said Patricia Hunt, executive director of Oklahoma City Public Schools, who was helping canvass neighborhoods.Officials also want to let parents know they care about the student's education, and future.\"Every single one makes a big difference,\" said Hunt.Charles plans to enroll his son Jayden as soon as possible, so he, along with other parents, can focus on what's important.\"I'm trying to be a father. That's it,\" said Mitchell.Organizers hope that every kid that gets on the bus to go to class the first day is already pre-enrolled. That way they won't have to stand in any long lines and won't miss any class. Organizers say that's why every door they knock on is well worth it.The district has also changed the school calendar, so classes start during a pay-period, an ideal time for donations. The district is also offering a chance to win prizes for pre-enrollment.Oklahoma City Schools start Monday, Aug. 5."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-city-public-schools-combat-low-first-day-attendance-1/4294416>