August 2017
Dear Parents/Guardians/Students:
Welcome Back! As we begin the school year, I want to welcome you as our partner in your child’s education. We value, appreciate, and seek out your involvement and collaboration for the success of your child.
Our goal this year is to ensure that every student attends school regularly. Positive attendance is a key ingredient to keeping kids on track academically and in engaging them in all aspects of school life.
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 due to 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. The most important message to our students is that sporadic absences and lateness matter. Before you know it, missing just two or three days a month can translate to missing 4 to 5 weeks of the school year. Too many absences, represent lost learning time in the classroom.
Research shows:
- Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.
- By 6th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.
- By 9th grade good attendance can predict graduation rates as well as success in college.
Clearly going to school regularly matters!
When our students are not in school, we notice because we care!
We don’t want your child to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time. Please make sure you are familiar with the school calendar to assist in your family scheduling for vacations and medical appointments.
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! We value your support and encourage you be an active participant in your child’s education. Parents are welcome to help in the school and to be active in school-wide functions.
Thank you for all you do! We look forward to working together to support your child’s school success. If you have any questions or need more information please contact your child’s building principal.
Sincerely,
Patricia Hopkins
Superintendent of Schools
