Go to school, win $500

Desperate to boost attendance, Birmingham is offering a $500 prize for showing up at school on the first day, reports Greg Garrison for AL.com. Two families at each district school will be eligible to win the random drawing. The Penny Foundation is funding the $500 incentive payments.

“Attendance on day one is critical — not just for our students’ learning, but also for determining the resources and funding our schools will receive for the entire year," said Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan.

Already, "public housing residents are offered transportation assistance to and from school, homework help and academic support" under the "Every Day Counts" program. If their children have perfect attendance, they can win a rent discount in a lottery.