Attendance

Regular attendance is when a student attends more than 90 percent of school days. Students who are absent more than 18 days during the school year–which means missing only two days of school each month–are considered chronically absent and are at a higher risk of falling behind in school. This is true even when absences are excused.

Each student adds a unique presence to the learning community, and the learning journey is richer and deeper when classroom peers learn together. Students with regular attendance are much more likely to do well in school and beyond.

 

1. Attendance and Success: Good attendance is closely linked to doing well in school. When students are in school every day, they have more opportunities to learn and grow. On the flip side, if students are often absent, it's harder for them to stay on track.

     A. Elementary: Students who attend regularly in grades K-3 are more likely to read on grade level.

     B. Middle School: By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.

     C. High School: By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

 

​​2. Absences Add Up: Every day of school counts towards your child's journey of growth and discovery. Chronic absence is defined as 18 days a year—or just 2 days a month – even if those absences are excused! Missing this much school in kindergarten can lower achievement in 1st grade and, for some students, through 5th grade.

 

3. Building Confidence: Being present when information is delivered is critical. When your child misses one day or one lesson, that means when they return to school, they may have missed something critical to their understanding of the next several days of instruction. 

Consistently attending school helps students stay on track and feel confident in their progress. When students are present and actively engaged in their learning journey, this boosts their motivation and eagerness to return to school each day. 

 

4. Addressing Barriers: It’s important to figure out what’s keeping your child away from school and address it as soon as possible. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home. Frequent absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with schoolwork, dealing with bullying or facing some other difficulty. Whether it’s transportation issues, health problems, or something else, contact the school to support and help find solutions that can make a big difference in your child’s attendance and success.

 

 Elementary

 

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. 

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before. 

• Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required shots. 

• Introduce your children to their teachers and classmates before school starts. 

• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent. 

• Try to schedule non-urgent related medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session. 

• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning. 

• If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call your school or health care provider for advice.

 • If your child must stay home due to illness, ask the teacher for resources and ideas to continue learning at home.

 

Middle School and High School 

 

• Help your children maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep

• Find out if your children feel engaged in their classes and feel safe from bullies and other threats.

• Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day.

• Help your children maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.

• Monitor your teen’s academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors when necessary. Make sure teachers know how to contact you. 

• Stay on top of your child’s social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated. 

• Encourage your child to join meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.

• Support your students if you notice signs of anxiety, and if needed, seek advice from your school or health provider

 

Health Guidance for going to School

 

Recomendaciones médicas para asistir a la escuela

Every Day Matters 

Attendance/Chronic Absenteeism

Resources for Students, Families and Community Members