Like many districts, administrators in Kansas City Public Schools are battling to keep students in school.Now, they're using special research to push parents and kids in the right direction.The root cause of chronic absenteeism varies widely from student to student. "There is no silver bullet to this issue,” explained Michael Reynolds, KCPS’ chief research and accountability officer."These hours add up into days, and days add up into weeks, and the accumulated effect is very real in the student population.”The district’s newest tool is called a 'nudge letter.'Four thousand letters will be mailed to parents of the most absent kids four times this year.Much like a utility bill, it compares a child's absences to the average student in their grade."It's a really powerful tool because it informs the parents, but it also a bridge for our people to have conversations with parents – and be very constructive and honest about the need for their student to attend school on a regular basis,” Reynolds continued.Administrators are encouraged by what they’re seeing so far. Attendance is up this year—thanks in part to partnerships with groups like the United Way of Greater Kansas City. The group focuses on issues outside school that may be keeping kids from class."We believe that it's not a problem the schools and school districts can solve alone. They need the support of the community,” said Jim MacDonald, UWGKC’s chief community investment officer. One of those issues is what’s known as "mobility."A rep with KCPS tells KMBC 9 News says more than 40-percent of students change schools during the school year.The United Way is working on a community level to help with any housing issues to try to curb the numbers--keeping families in their homes and students in school.Click here to read more about the group's programs.