This January, our schools are joining the statewide “Every Day Matters” campaign for school attendance, and I’m asking the community to make a New Year’s Resolution to help students get to school every day.
Did you know?:
- Every Day Really Does Matter: There’s a close connection between school attendance and student success. Students who are chronically absent (that means they miss 10 percent of the year for excused or unexcused reasons) are much more likely to struggle in school and even have more trouble graduating.
- Start Early: Good attendance is a habit that will help your children do well. Preschool is a great time to start building these routines. In fact, studies show that poor attendance in preschool can predict absenteeism in later grades. Additionally, studies show many children who miss too many days in kindergarten and first-grade struggle to read by third grade.
- No One Is Above the Rules: Think that because your child is a good student, the rules don’t apply? Think again. Too many absent students can affect the whole classroom, slowing down instruction. Avoid vacations that require your children to miss school and try to schedule health care appointments for days off of school or afternoons.
- Set Successful Routines: For younger children, set a bedtime and morning routine. Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before. Make sure that when the lights go out, so do the cell phones, video games, and computers. Consider keeping technology in another room at night.
- Check-In: Bullying can lead to regular absences, not to mention trauma. If you suspect your child may be being bullied, it’s important to check in with the school.
Thank you for making school attendance a priority in 2019. Every student deserves to succeed. Find additional tips on how to improve your child’s attendance at every-day-matters.org.