The Messmore Messenger
May 2025
Attendance Policy
As you plan family vacations we kindly ask that you adhere to the school calendar whenever possible. Extended absences can impact a student’s learning experience, as classroom teachers are unable to pre-plan and provide equivalent assignments that replicate the depth of in-class lessons, discussions, and activities.
While teachers will do their best to support students upon their return, the process of catching up is not as effective as participating in real-time instruction. Extended absences, frequent absences, frequent late arrivals, and early dismissals, place an additional burden on both the student and the teacher and may disrupt the continuity of current learning for the entire class.
From a practical standpoint, when a child is sick, they should remain at home to recover. However, additional absences, such as family vacations or discretionary days off, should be limited whenever possible.
Please note that all absences, whether excused or unexcused, are considered when reviewing attendance records and addressing concerns of 10 or more absences. According to Board Policy, when an attendance issue is brought to the principal’s attention, a review of the student’s attendance will be conducted for truancy. I understand that circumstances such as chronic health issues or hospitalization may arise. In these cases, and with appropriate medical documentation, each situation will be handled individually.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your ongoing partnership in supporting consistent and meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Warm regards,
Renee Fiema, Ed.D.
