Elementary SEL & Wellness

Attending school every day is vitally important for children. Missing school, even just a couple of days a month, can have many negative consequences for students.

Academic performance

Students who miss a lot of school are more likely to fall behind, repeat grades, and fail classes. For example, children who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are less likely to be able to read on grade level by third grade. Students gain background knowledge from daily classroom discussions while learning in school. If they are not present, they miss out on those discussions and typically have lower test scores.

Mental health

Absenteeism can negatively affect a student's mental health, leading to loneliness, low self-esteem and increased mental health problems.

Social interactions

Students who attend school every day can build relationships with their peers and develop social skills. Daily attendance helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

Life skills

School can help students develop skills like responsibility, time management, and showing up and working hard. These skills can be useful and help students become more successful in school and in their relationships.

Experts say there are many things that parents can do to help their children adjust to regular school attendance. Several suggestions include:

Act quickly

Missed schoolwork and social experiences snowball, making school avoidance a problem that grows larger and more difficult to control as it rolls along. Parents should be on the lookout for any difficulties your child might concerning attending school regularly, on time or staying for the full day. If the problem lasts more than a day or two, step in before it gets out of control.

Find the cause

Difficulties with peers, falling behind academically or having anxiety about classroom activities may cause students to avoid school. Have a gentle conversation with your child about what is making school feel difficult.

Work with your school

Parents should speak with the school guidance counselor or social worker to explain what you are seeing with your child. Together, you can create a plan that addresses problems they may be experiencing.

Be empathetic but firm

Explain to your child that you are confident they can face down fears and that any physical symptoms of anxiety often subside as the school days rolls along. It is important for anxious children to learn that they can persevere and overcome any issues they may be experiencing.

Eliminate temptation

Making a day at home less appealing for children not wanting to attend school is helpful. Parents can remove screens and electronic devices, have teachers send homework, give students chores or let them read. Experts do not recommend parents to allow their child to watch television when their child stays home from school. Try to make staying home boring for your child.

Establish a routine

Attempt to have everything your child needs to get ready for school set out the night before. Your child cannot use running late or not finding something as an excuse to be late to school or to miss school entirely. Consistency is key.

TCHATT provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to school districts to help identify and assess the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents and provide access to mental health services. Cuero ISD is proud to be part of this program that helps students get access to mental health treatment and resources. This program is free for students and is available throughout the year, even in the summer. If you would like more information about TCHATT, you can visit their website https://tcmhcc.utsystem.edu/tchatt/ or contact Kathy Scott at kfscott@cueroisd.org.

Texas law requires anyone with knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect to report it to the appropriate authorities. Professionals must report suspected abuse or neglect within 48 hours. This mandatory reporting applies to all individuals and is not limited to teachers or health care professionals.

Call: 1-800-252-5400. If you cannot use the Texas Abuse Hotline, you can:

• Report online at www.TxAbuseHotline.orgExternal Link
• Use the relay service of your choice or use Relay TexasExternal Link at 7-1-1. Tell the relay operator to call the Texas Abuse Hotline at (800) 252-5400.
• If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Kathy Scott, LMSW at (361) 275-1900 X418 or your local Child Protective Services office at (361) 275-5737.

Ruby Rodriguez, M.Ed. ~ Director of Special Programs

Lacy Timpone, M.Ed., LPC ~ School Climate Specialist

Courtney Kalinowski, M.S., LPC ~ School Climate Specialist

Kathy Scott, LMSW~ School Climate Specialist

Website: https://www.cueroisd.org/
Location: 960 E Broadway St, Cuero, TX, USA
Phone: 361-275-1900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cueroisd