TIPS FOR PARENTS

Getting Ready for School

• Make sure your child is ready for school well in advance. Follow these suggestions:

• The night before, see that your child’s homework is complete and that he/she is ready to turn it in. 

• Encourage your child to lay out the next day’s clothes before going to bed.

• See that your child gets plenty of sleep each night (10-11 hours) and has a healthy breakfast in the morning. 

• Make sure your child has reliable transportation to and from school every day.

• If you drive your child to school, allow enough travel time. Give yourself time for minor car problems, heavy traffic, bad weather, or other issues that may cause delays. 

Good Attendance Makes A Difference

• It increases your child’s chances of doing well in school and more opportunities to learn

• Students who have good attendance do better on reading and math assessments

• It teaches your child valuable skills, such as responsibility, self-discipline, and persistence.

• Leads to a positive attitude, which leads to better behaviors at home and school. 

Problems Associated with Poor Attendance

Students who miss school:

• Have fewer opportunities to develop social skills and to learn the material that helps them succeed in their classes

• Eventually drop out of school

• Receive low or failing grades

• Get low scores on achievement tests

• Feel disconnected from school

• Have a negative attitude about school and themselves

• Be held back and have to repeat a grade

Ways to Promote Good Attendance

• Try not to schedule medical appointments during school hours.

• Don’t let your child stay home unless he/she is truly sick.

• Help your child maintain routines, such as waking up on time every morning, going to school, doing homework when he/she gets home, and getting to bed early to get enough sleep.

• Be a role model and make good attendance a priority.

• Take time every day to discuss your child’s day at school and have him/her share a favorite moment or event that occurred or what was learned that day.

• Understand your child’s school rules and policies. 

Team Up with Teachers

• Build a relationship with your child’s teacher (s).

• Set up regular parent-teacher meetings throughout the school year, either in person or via phone or internet.

• Ask teachers how you can support your child’s learning at home