Parent and Family News
Week of February 12, 2024
What Does Part of the WCCS Pride Mean
Lions are the only cats that live in large social groups called “prides.” The pride has a close bond and works together to ensure the success of all members. Living in pride makes life easier. Hunting as a group means there is a better chance that the lions have food when needed, and it is less likely that they will get injured while hunting. Lion researchers have noticed that some activities are “contagious” within a pride. If one lion yawns, grooms itself, or roars, it sets off a wave of yawning, grooming, or roaring!
WCCS’s goal is to be a PRIDE. We work together for the betterment of all members. Unity and family bonds are a source of strength and the foundation of a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Belonging to pride provides social benefits to the members. It fosters bonds among pride members. These social bonds create a network that supports cooperative learning, caring for members, and defending against outside threats.
Why Attendance is Important in Helping Every Student Succeed
One of the most important things your child can do to reach the goal of success is also one of the most basic: attend school every day on time! By attending class regularly, your child is likelier to keep up with daily lessons and assignments and take quizzes and tests on time. Research has shown that your child's regular attendance may be the most significant factor influencing their academic success. Some of the greatest benefits of attending school regularly are:
Achievement: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to pass reading and math assessments than students who do not.
Opportunity: For older students, being in school every day allows them to experience more activities to help them learn more about college and gain vital information to build a successful academic record.
Being part of the school community: Just by being present at school, your child is learning how to be a good citizen by participating in the school community, learning valuable social skills, and developing a broader worldview.
What parents can do:
Follow the school's guidelines and attendance policy and report excused absences immediately. Review the school's expectations and ensure you understand who you need to contact if your child is absent.
Take an active role. Stay involved with your child's daily experiences by asking how the school day went and listening carefully to what your child shares with you — successes and struggles. Make it a point to meet your child's teacher(s) and friends.
Locate potential sources of anxiety. If your child frequently appears upset or reluctant to go to school and cannot tell you why, schedule an appointment with their teacher or a member of your child's student support team (School Social Worker, School Counselor, and Administrator) to talk about possible sources of the anxiety.
Keep updated on school events and announcements. Read the school documents your child brings home and note important announcements and dates, such as evening events and parent-teacher conferences.
Limit the time your child misses school due to medical appointments or illness. Avoid scheduling doctor's appointments during the school day. Allow your child to stay home only for contagious or severe illnesses.
Schedule family events with your child's school schedule in mind. Plan holiday celebrations or family trips during weekends or school vacations. In the case of family emergencies or unexpected trips, talk to your child's teacher(s) as far in advance as possible and set up a way that your child can work ahead or bring necessary homework on the trip.
Plan. Encourage your child to prepare for the next school day by laying out clothes the night before and helping to fix lunches.
Promote the importance of education: Teach your child how important education is to their future success by stressing the importance of regular school attendance. Let your child know that attending school regularly will assist them in developing the good habits they need for their future.
