School attendance is essential for all students, beginning in kindergarten. In high school, not only is attendance compulsory but
there is a direct link between positive attendance rates and increased student achievement which ultimately leads to graduation! It is important to build a healthy habit of daily school attendance right from the beginning and continue promoting
attendance through your students’ K-12 experience.
Did you know:
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Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause some children to fall behind in school. Those losses compound each year as a child continues to miss school days and is promoted to the next grade
level.
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How many absences are too many? Chronic absence is defined as 18 days a year—or just 2 days a month.
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Missing 10 percent or about 18 days of the school year in kindergarten can lower achievement in 1st grade and, for some students, through 5th grade. Not addressing these academic pitfalls in elementary
school can lead to difficulties in middle school and can prevent academic success, preventing graduation.
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Students can still fall behind if they keep missing just a day or two every few weeks.
Watch this quick video about how a push for attendance at home can push your student to be their best here at school!
What can you do at home?
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Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Stow those devices away during sleep time and encourage rest and rejuvenation.
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Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
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Know when the school day begins. Supervision starts at 7:00 a.m. and 1st period begins at 7:30 a.m.,
sharp.
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Join us at Open House to learn more about the curriculum, teacher expectations, and graduation requirements.
Godby’s Open House is on Monday, September 18th.
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Don’t let your child stay home unless she is truly sick.
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Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
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If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about earning their high school diploma.
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Develop some backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.
Update your emergency contact list in FOCUS.
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Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Research from Attendance Works shows that a positive relationship between parent involvement and attendance, as well as parents’ attitudes about school absences and their implications,
play a huge role in determining your child’s success in grades K-12.
Partner with us! Encourage your students to come to school and be in class, on time! We are in this together!
Questions? Contact Mr. Stemle in the attendance office at
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