What a tricky month February was due to germs and illness. Families just couldn't seem to avoid the flu and stomach bug; Mrs. Hammer included! We very much expected our attendance data to be some of the worst, but we actually improved (even if just slightly!) from January! Thank you to families for striking that challenging balance between keeping kiddos home sick when warranted, but encouraging them to try the day when it was just a little cough or sniffle! Below we highlight February's attendance:
- 44 students or 8.98% of our students were considered chronically absent.
- Grade 3 has the least amount of chronically absent students with only 3.
- Grade 2 has the most amount of chronically absent students with 11.
- 93.85% was our average daily percent present.
- Kindergarten had the highest daily percent present with 96.34%.
- Grade 4 had the lowest daily percent present with 91.99%.
254 Terriers had "perfect" February attendance, attending all 17 days offered. These students were entered into a "Lunch Bunch" raffle and the following 6 students will enjoy a lunch with Mrs. Hammer. Congratulations to Mackenzie Carlson, Eli St. Pierre, Caroline Nelson, Manny Alicia, Seha Kuruppaurachchi, and Anaya Dhamija!
As we head into spring and hopefully out of the height of "sickness season", we hope the following tip helps end our school year with a increased percent of students present each day!
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Attendance Tip
It can be tough to decide whether your child is too sick for school or just experiencing mild symptoms. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the right call:
🚦 Stay Home If Your Child Has:
🤒 Fever – A temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher (must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning).
🤢 Vomiting or Diarrhea – Stay home until symptoms have stopped for at least 24 hours.
🦠 Contagious Illnesses – Pink eye, strep throat, flu, COVID-19, or any illness requiring antibiotics (wait at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics before returning).
😷 Severe Cough, Difficulty Breathing, or Wheezing – If coughing prevents normal activities or is accompanied by fever, check with a doctor.
🚽 Uncontrolled Bathroom Issues – If your child is having frequent accidents due to illness, they should stay home.
😖 Extreme Fatigue, Body Aches, or Headache – If your child is too uncomfortable to focus in class, they should rest at home.
🏫 Okay to Come to School If Your Child Has:
🩹 Mild Cold Symptoms – A runny nose, mild cough, or occasional sneezing without a fever is okay. Encourage tissues and handwashing!
🥱 Feeling "Tired" or "Not in the Mood" – Fatigue from a busy week isn't a reason to stay home; keeping a routine helps energy levels.
🤕 Mild Headache or Stomachache – If no fever or vomiting is present, a small snack and hydration often help.
🌸 Mild Allergies – If symptoms are related to seasonal allergies, provide allergy medication as needed and send them to school.
👩⚕️ When in Doubt?
- Call the school nurse or your child’s doctor if you’re unsure.
- Teach your child to express how they feel (e.g., “Does this feel like a normal cold or something worse?”).
- Encourage good hygiene habits (handwashing, covering coughs, staying hydrated) to prevent illnesses from spreading.
Why This Matters
Staying home when truly sick helps kids recover and protects others. However, attending school regularly—even with mild symptoms—teaches resilience and responsibility. Creating a balance ensures students get the most out of their learning while staying healthy! 💪📚
