Tips for Parents

Dear Parent,

Our school district recognizes the positive impact that regular student attendance has on student achievement and we remain committed in our efforts to close the achievement gap.

It is important that families understand that districts and schools are funded based on students who are present and in school. Schools do not receive funding for any student who is absent, including excused absences.

Every day a student misses school, even for excused absences, the school loses out on essential funding. We ask that you support our efforts to increase student attendance by:

Planning your family vacations during the summer or school holidays.
Try to schedule doctor appointments for your child after school hours.
When your child has a doctor's appointment in the middle of the school day, bring him/her to school before the appointment.
Allow your child to stay home only when he/she has a contagious illness or is too sick to be comfortable at school.

Remember, too, that good student attendance not only benefits our school, but it also benefits your child. Every day a student misses school, they get more than two days behind their peers because they must make up missed learning and catch up with new learning at the same time. Every day a student is in school, they raise their chances to score well on tests. Attendance is very important toward achieving that mission, and we need the support of all our parents.

We know that you want the very best for your child, and we do too. Please contact the Attendance Office if you have any questions about this information or need assistance with your child's school attendance.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD?

Let your child know that you think school is important.
Make sure your child goes to school regularly and on time.
Take an interest in your child's school work.
Provide regular times and a quiet, clean are for doing homework.
Set a regular bedtime schedule. Age should not be a factor.
Provide your child with plenty of time to get ready for school.
If your child starts to miss school, speak to the school and let your child know he/she must attend.
Have regular communication with the school.
If your child is ill, contact the school and explain the reason for the absence.
Don't expect your older children to stay home and act as babysitters for younger children.
Set good examples and enforce rules.
Include regular exercise and a balanced diet in your child's daily activities.
Post the school calendar and notes on the refrigerator, or another prominent location.
Balance time with extracurricular activities.
Keep open communication lines with your child.