Our goal this year is to ensure that every student attends school regularly.

Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.

We realize some absences are unavoidable because of health problems or other circumstances. But, we also know that when students miss too much school — regardless of the reason — it can cause them to fall behind academically. Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent (missing 18 or more days during the academic year). Absences can add up quickly, too. A child who misses just two days per month is considered chronically absent!

Research shows:

• Children who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of third grade.

• By sixth grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of
  school.

• By ninth grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than eighth grade test scores.

Going to school regularly matters!
We don’t want your child to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your child attends school every day, arrives on time and stays for the entire day.

Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:

• Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick.

• Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.

• Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.

• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member,
  neighbor or another parent to take your child to school.

Let us know how we can best support you and your children so that they can show up for school on time
every day. We want your child to be successful in school!

If you have any questions or need more information please contact your child’s school counselor.