For Immediate Release 

Dec. 5, 2025 

Browns to highlight importance of school attendance during Stay in the Game! themed game Dec. 7 

CLEVELAND – Consistent school attendance is the foundation of student success. In Ohio, however, 25.1% of students miss nearly 20 days of school each year, making them chronically absent, and research shows that missing just two days a month can set kids back academically and socially. Recognizing chronic absenteeism as a critical statewide issue, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Browns Foundation and Stay in the Game! (SITG!) Attendance Network will highlight the importance of showing up to school during the Browns’ matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 7 at Huntington Bank Field. 

Launched in 2019 by the Browns Foundation, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Harvard’s Proving Ground, the SITG! Attendance Network, now managed by Battelle, works together to reduce chronic absenteeism by developing localized, data-informed attendance campaigns that encourage consistent school participation. In Northeast Ohio alone, the Network reaches 157 districts and more than 300,000 students annually. Its growing partnerships with the Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, and the Pittsburgh Steelers has expanded its footprint beyond the region. Collectively, SITG! engages 237 districts and positively impacts more than 600,000 students across the state. 

“The Browns Foundation and SITG! Attendance Network are working every day to highlight the importance of attendance and to ensure every student has the resources they need to be present and succeed,” Vice President of Community Impact and Foundation Renee Harvey said. “We’re proud to recognize the districts, educators, and students who are making attendance a priority. Today’s game is about celebrating their hard work and reminding the entire Northeast Ohio community that students showing up every day in school truly makes a difference.” 

To celebrate the ongoing commitment to reducing chronic absenteeism, the Cleveland Browns Foundation will host SITG! students and educators from Network schools for in-game recognition and activities throughout Sunday. 

Gabriella from Jefferson Area Local School District will be the Jr. PA announcer, and Jullian from The Brilliance School will conduct the flag hand-off. Geno from Buckeye Local School District will receive the flag. Ty from New London Local Schools will be the first-half kickoff kid, followed by Gio from Berea CIty Schools for the second half. Lily from South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District will be the in-game DJ and Jr. Host.  

Chris Monsour, Ohio’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, will serve as the Honorary Coin Toss Captain. Michael Scott, Assistant Superintendent of Lorain City Schools, will also be honored on-field during an educator recognition ceremony. 

The March to Midfield Competition, presented by Sugardale and Meijer, invited high school bands from across Ohio to compete for a chance to perform during Sunday’s halftime show. The Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldog Marching Band, a SITG! school, won the contest and will take the field at halftime. 

As fans, students, and educators come together this Sunday, the Cleveland Browns remind the community of the importance of showing up to school every day. The organization remains committed to ensuring every child in Ohio has the resources and support they need to succeed and to develop a culture and community that encourages students to be present. 

# # # 

About the Cleveland Browns and Browns Give Back: 

The Cleveland Browns are committed to championing education and youth football, while also creating equitable opportunities for advancement in our community and throughout Ohio. For more information, visit www.clevelandbrowns.com/brownsgiveback and follow @BrownsGiveBack.  

About Stay in the Game! Attendance Network:  

Launched in 2019 by the Cleveland Browns Foundation, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Harvard’s Proving Ground, the SITG! Attendance Network, now managed by Battelle, works together to reduce chronic absenteeism by bringing together experts, partners, and communities. Together, Stay in the Game! partners with 220+ districts and impacts more than 600,000 students throughout Ohio. For more information, visit https://stayinthegame.org/  

***Visit the Browns Media Center for materials provided by the Browns communications department, including media schedules, press releases, quotes, photos, media guides, rosters, depth charts and more.***