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Burlington-Edison School District is making a special effort to ensure that all students fully benefit from their education by attending school regularly. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school-and themselves. Your student can start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Consistent attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days) increases the chance that your student will not read or master math at the same level as their peers.

• Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.

• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance, missed learning, and embarrassment for the student.

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

• By 9th grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

We miss your students when they are gone and we value their contributions to our school. We would like you to help ensure that your student attends regularly and is successful in school. If your student is going to be absent, please contact your school's attendance office before or within 72 hours of absence to be excused.

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

We know that there are a wide variety of reasons that students are absent from school, from health concerns to transportation challenges. There are many people in our building prepared to help you if you or your student face challenges in getting to school regularly or on time. Please contact your school's teacher, principal, counselor, or nurse for assistance. We promise to track attendance daily, to notice when your student is missing from class, communicate with you to understand why they were absent, and to identify barriers and supports available to overcome challenges you may face in helping your student attend school.

SCHOOL POLICIES AND STATE LAWS

Washington State law, (RCW 28A.225.020), referred to as the BECCA Bill, requires children from age 8 to 17 to attend a public school, private school, or a district-approved home school program.

If your student has three unexcused absences in one month , state law requires we schedule a conference with you and your student to identify the barriers and supports available to ensure regular attendance. In elementary school, the same conference is required when a student reaches five excused absences. The district is obligated to develop a plan that may require an assessment or referral to a truancy board to determine how to best meet the needs of your student and reduce absenteeism.

If your student has seven unexcused absences in any month or ten unexcused absences within the school year, we are required to file a petition with the Juvenile court, alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010, the mandatory attendance laws .

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Set a regular bed time and morning routine.

• Prepare for school the night before, finishing homework and getting a good night's sleep.

• Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required immunizations.

• Don't let your student stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.

• Avoid appointments and extended trips when school is in session.

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

• Keep track of your student's attendance. Missing more than 9 days could put your student at risk of falling behind.

• Talk to your student about the importance of attendance.

• Talk to your students' teachers if you notice sudden changes in behavior. These could be tied to something going on at school.

• Encourage meaningful after school activities, including sports and clubs.

• Visit this website for more information : http://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/handouts-...

Sincerely,

Jeffery A. Drayer

Assistant Superintendent

Burlington-Edison School District