Start the new school year with a focus on attendance
Poor attendance damages academic success. Unfortunately, more than seven million students in the U.S. miss three weeks or more each school year. The pandemic increased absences as students struggled with hybrid and remote learning last year.
When students miss school or arrive in class late, everyone suffers. Teachers spend time collecting makeup work and reteaching. Meanwhile, other students—who are ready to learn—must wait.
Your child’s most fundamental school-related responsibility is to start school on time every day—whether it is in person or online.
To support your child:
- Stick to a schedule. Establish evening and morning habits that help your child be prepared. Select outfits and gather materials needed for school at night.
- Schedule carefully. Make medical and other appointments during non-school hours when possible. School should be a priority when planning family trips, too. If your child must be absent, work with the teacher to help your child complete makeup work.
- Seek help when needed. Many factors contribute to missing school. If your family struggles with health, transportation, work, child care or other issues, talk with school staff. Our shared goal is to help children do their best in school.
Reprinted with permission from the September 2021 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2021 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc. Source: P.W. Jordan and R. Miller, Who’s In: Chronic Absenteeism under the Every Student Succeeds Act, FutureEd.