Tom Janis, Superintendent, introduces our Attendance Awareness Campaign for 2024-25!
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Why is attendance important?
Research shows that missing 10% of school, about 18 days in a school year or just 2 days per month, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. These attendance gaps lead to achievement gaps. Starting in kindergarten, absences can lead to 3rd graders unable to read well. By 6th grade, it’s a warning sign that students will fail classes or even drop out of high school.
Chronic absence, whether excused or unexcused, has doubled since pre-Covid numbers and presents academic challenges for students inside and out of the classroom. All students suffer when teachers lose the ability to engage all students and meet their learning needs. In addition, students benefit from regular school attendance to support their development of positive relationships and being part of a community with their peers.
We love spending money on our students! Every day a student is here, we receive an average of $62 for their attendance! When students are not in attendance, the loss of funding impacts the programs and resources that are provided to our schools.
The good news is that chronic absence is a solvable problem!
Through our Be Present, Be Powerful campaign, we look forward to working with our families to support our students attending school regularly and on time.
Did You Know?
Staff regularly review our students' attendance and reach out to families when we have concerns. We understand there may be challenges that come up in our families’ lives; staff are here to support you if needed.
Attendance is taken daily. Please communicate with your child’s school if they are absent or missing some of the school day.
Want to know what are excused and unexcused absences and tardies? Click HERE for the guidelines staff use to record absences or missed instruction.
Planning A Vacation? We encourage families to schedule on non-school days. Need a reminder of our 24-25 school calendar? Click HERE! Although it is not encouraged for your student to miss five or more days of school, short-term independent study is an option that may be available. Note that in short-term independent study, attendance is earned based on the time value of assignments as determined by the certificated teacher employed by the school district, or the combined time value of pupil work product and pupil participation in synchronous instruction. It is critical that students complete the work assigned. Please click HERE for more information regarding this option.
To start the school year strong, these recommendations may help!
ROUTINES. Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. For example, lay out clothes and backpacks the night before. Work towards limiting technology at least an hour before bed.
PLAN FOR TRAFFIC, LEAVE EARLY. School traffic can be impacted at the beginning of the school day. Consider leaving 10-15 minutes earlier than you usually do.
DEVELOP BACK UP PLANS. Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent. If your family needs support with this, school staff may be able to help.
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS & TRIPS. Schedule when school is not in session.
IS YOUR CHILD ANXIOUS? Reach out to staff for advice.
IS YOUR CHILD ILL? Reach out to staff for resources and ideas to continue learning at home. Our health services team may be able to assist your family.
Does your family need resources? Click HERE!
Interested in learning more from a parent perspective on how a family is striving to improve their morning routines? Click HERE to hear more from Dr. Tyler Holt, Eureka USD School Board Member.
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