Attendance

Attendance is vitally important to a student's success in school. 

During the 2023–2024 school year, 10% (about 1 in every 10) of students at Kaysville Jr. High were chronically absent. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 18 or more days of school. On average, this is missing two or more days per month of school. 

When students are absent from school frequently

• they are missing important instruction in their classes

• there are fewer opportunities to receive productive or celebratory feedback from their teacher

• it becomes increasingly difficult to go to school at all

Minimize the Impact of Necessary Absences

Sometimes absences are unavoidable, like when a student is sick, an important appointment comes up, or a family vacation is planned. Students and guardians can work with the school to minimize the impact of absences.

• Communicate with the KJH Attendance Office to appropriately excuse the absence.

• Students should communicate with their teachers and check Canvas for assignments they will miss while they are out of school. 

Ideas for Improving Attendance

How can students help their own attendance?

• Create and implement a self-care and sleep schedule. Having enough sleep, adequate nutrition, and feeling good physically, mentally, and emotionally makes it easier to attend school.

• Build a connection with an adult mentor at school. Choose a favorite teacher or your KIT teacher to connect and check in with. 

How can parents/guardians help their student with attendance? 

• Create a Student Attendance Success Plan (scroll down linked page to find the "Secondary Student Success Plan" that is available in multiple languages).

• Identify and work to minimize the obstacles that are making it difficult for the student to attend school. 

  • Transportation

  • Health (physical and mental/emotional)

  • Stress

• Help your student find an adult mentor at school. Does your student have a favorite teacher or have a connection with their KIT teacher?

• Read additional ideas in the included PDF, "Make Every Day Count: Boost School Attendance."

How can school personnel help a student with attendance?

• School personnel can help students identify an adult mentor they feel comfortable connecting with. 

• School counselors or school administration can help students and their guardians create an attendance behavior intervention plan. 

• School counselors can support students in their development of academic/study skills to reduce school-related stress.

• School counselors can help students and their guardians connect with community resources such as mental health counseling, support groups, needs assistance, etc.

Sources:

https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/attendancedata/chapter1a.asp 

https://www.davis.k12.ut.us/departments/student-family-resources/lcmt/intervention-supports 

School Avoidance

Students who are frequently absent from school or don't want to attend school may be experiencing school avoidance. The School Avoidance Alliance has many resources for parents regarding how they can help their student get back to learning.