Family August 2024 Knight Line
Understanding and Combating Chronic Absenteeism
As we begin another school year, we want to highlight an issue that significantly impacts our children’s education—chronic absenteeism. At STMA, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed, and regular school attendance is a crucial part of this success.
What is Chronic Absenteeism?
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (about 17 days per year or two days per month) for any reason—excused or unexcused. This means that even just two days of missed school per month can add up to significant gaps in learning. Research shows that students who are chronically absent are more likely to fall behind in reading and math, struggle socially, and are less likely to graduate on time.
Why Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is vital for your child’s academic success. Each day, teachers build on the lessons from the previous day, and missing even a couple of days can disrupt a student’s learning process. Beyond academics, consistent attendance helps students build positive relationships with their peers and school staff, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
How You Can Help: Strategies for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
You play a crucial role in ensuring that your child attends school regularly. Here are some strategies to help:
- Set a Routine: Establish a consistent daily schedule that includes a regular bedtime and morning routine. This can help reduce the stress of getting ready for school each day.
- Talk About the Importance of School: Discuss with your child why attending school is important. Encourage them to see school as a place where they can learn, make friends, and achieve their goals.
- Monitor Attendance: Keep track of how many days your child has missed. If they start missing more than a couple of days, reach out to their teacher or school counselor for support.
- Schedule Appointments Outside School Hours: Whenever possible, try to schedule doctor’s appointments, family trips, and other commitments outside of school hours.
- Stay Engaged: Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and school staff. If your child is struggling with schoolwork or experiencing anxiety about attending school, communicate with us so we can work together to find solutions.
- Address Health Issues: If your child is frequently ill, consult with a healthcare provider to address any underlying health concerns. Ensure that your child is getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active to support their overall health.
- Create a Positive School Experience: Encourage your child to get involved in school activities, clubs, or sports. When children are engaged and enjoy school, they are more likely to attend regularly.
We’re Here to Support You
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and there may be times when your child has to miss school. If you are facing challenges that make it difficult for your child to attend school regularly, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you with resources and strategies to ensure your child stays on track.
Together, we can help all our students build a bright future. Thank you for your partnership in making sure every day counts for our students.
We are excited to announce that our Back-to-School Landing Page for students and families is now live! This page serves as a one-stop resource for all the essential information needed for the upcoming school year, including important dates, supply lists, schedules, and more.
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the page: Back-to-School Landing Page.
The 2024-2025 STMA Academic Calendar can be found on the district website.
The blue calendar has been mailed to the community and can be viewed on our website here. Be sure to check out the student artwork featured in this year’s blue calendar. We wish there were more pages in the calendar as we have very talented students.
If you did not receive this calendar, you can pick one up in your student's school office or email stmaschools@mystma.org
Continuing this year, all students receive one free breakfast and lunch daily due to recent Universal Meals legislation. Ala carte, "seconds," and single milks will be an additional charge.
Per MDE guidelines, adult prices and “seconds” have to be increased.
Bookmark our menu webpage for easy access. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for additional information or email glenr@mystma.org.
Last year, the school board approved an e-learning plan, which allows teaching and learning to continue when school is canceled due to inclement weather.
Minnesota Statutes section 120A.414 allows up to five e-learning days per school year. At STMA, in a given year, the first two days that are canceled due to inclement weather will be designated as no school days. After that e-learning days may be used.
The district’s e-learning plan, STMA FLEX Learning Plan, outlines student and staff expectations as well as the logistics associated with e-learning days. Click here to review a letter that serves as annual notice of the e-learning plan. Additional information can also be found on the Flex Learning webpage.
An essential ingredient to our success is the district’s strategic plan. It is our north star and guides our work and focuses us on our most important core value of putting students first. The strategic plan is made up of our mission, vision, core values, and strategic directions.
The mission of STMA Schools is to provide a safe educational environment where students develop lifelong learning skills that nurture positive attitudes and self-worth. We focus our efforts on ensuring each student is a self-directed learner, effective communicator, and responsible citizen.
Our vision statement reflects our commitment to a balanced and high quality education:
STMA Schools will be the pride of our community, educating the whole student, with excellence in academics, arts, activities, and athletics through the empowerment of a world-class staff.
Please take the time to familiarize yourself with our strategic plan.
We are excited to introduce our new Transportation Supervisor, Mr. Chad Englund. Mr. Englund joins us from Bismarck, ND, where he served as the Transportation Coordinator for Bismarck Public Schools. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student safety and service, Mr. Englund is a valuable addition to our STMA community.
Mr. Englund and his wife, Nikki, have been married for 23 years and are proud parents of five children. Though new to the position, he is familiar with our region, having lived in the Princeton/Twin Cities area from 1998 to 2011. He is thrilled to return and contribute to a district that prioritizes students, families, and excellence in all we do.
This school year brings exciting changes to the STMA Transportation Department. In addition to welcoming Mr. Englund to our team, we are also partnering with a new bus company, Vision of STMA. Mr. Englund has been working closely with Vision’s knowledgeable staff to ensure that we continue to provide all eligible students with safe, prompt, reliable, and efficient transportation to and from school, as well as during field trips and activities.
Mr. Englund is eager to serve the STMA community and looks forward to meeting many of you in person. Please join us in welcoming STMA Transportation Supervisor Englund to our community. Visit the transportation webpage for more information.
Three school board seats are up for election on November 5, 2024. The candidate filing period opens 98 days before the general election and closes 84 days before the general election. For this year, the candidate filing period opened Tuesday, July 30 and closed Tuesday, August 13. Terms for School Board Members Dwinnell, Saville, and Scherber end in 2024. Click here to visit the STMA election webpage where you can see election information including individuals who have filed to run.