URBANDALE, Iowa — Students at Valerius Elementary were welcomed by inflatable dinosaurs Friday morning as part of an attendance boosting initiative.

“Attendance is super important, it gets them(students) involved in the academics, the emotional, the social, it’s all around, gives an impact on their lives,” said Maddy Punsalan, a facilitator of family outreach.

Valerius Elementary in Urbandale brings in special guests once or twice a month, typically near the end of the week, to boost attendance. On Friday, three dinosaurs danced and cheered on the students.

“It’s just another level of energy when they come, just they might be a little sleepy coming in, but now we do these activities and they get really excited about it, kinda gets that gusto going for the day,” said Derek Wilkins, Valerius Dean of Students.