The Terrapin Times #15

Dear Families,

PUSD is challenging every student to be an Attendance H.E.R.O. - Here. Everyday. Ready. On-time.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days (or two days per month) due to any reason—excused or unexcused absences. These seemingly minor absences accumulate over time. By the time a child reaches their senior year, two days a month equates to missing an entire school year! Each day absent from school means a missed opportunity to learn, to participate with friends, and to connect. Teaching and learning is a continuous journey, where today's lesson builds on yesterday's. When a child misses a class, they're not just missing out on that day's topic but potentially setting themselves up for future struggles.

Research from Attendance Works shows that students who regularly show up to school are more likely to excel in reading and math, score higher on tests, and are more likely to graduate. Regular attendance also strengthens social bonds and helps students establish a network with their peers and teachers. This sense of belonging and community, in turn, fuels their desire to be a part of school life consistently.

Achieving consistent attendance is a collaborative effort. We are asking families to:

• Establish Consistent Routines: Maintaining a regular bedtime and morning routine can make a significant difference. A good night's sleep and a calm morning can set the tone for the day. Your child can also come to school early for a free and nutritious breakfast served on campus.

• Plan Ahead: Schedule medical appointments and family vacations outside of school hours or during school breaks. This ensures that your child won't miss essential classroom time. If your child will miss an extended period of school, reach out to your school about independent study options.

• Stay Engaged: Regularly check in with your child about their school experiences and keep in touch with their teachers or counselors. This can help you identify any potential issues that might be causing reluctance or hesitancy in attending school.

• Emphasize the Importance of Attendance: Talk with your children about why going to school every day is crucial. Help them understand that apart from learning, school attendance also nurtures other essential life skills such as responsibility, determination, and the importance of hard work.

• Reach Out for Help: Let your child’s counselor, teacher, or principal know if you are experiencing barriers or hardship in getting your child to school; there may be assistance available.

Life might throw a curveball in the form of an illness or an unforeseen event. While we understand that not all absences can be prevented, our joint efforts, understanding, and proactive planning can indeed minimize them. We look forward to working together alongside our staff, families, and community to ensure all of our students can be Attendance H.E.R.O.s!

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday, November 11th - Veteran's Day - No School for students and staff
• Monday, November 18th - No School for Students for Parent Teacher Conferences
• Tuesday-Thursday 11/19-11/21 Minimum Days for conferences - dismiss @ 11:55
• Friday, November 22: Regular Student Day
• November 25-29: Non student days - Thanksgiving Break
• December 11th: SPELL-A-THON

Have a great Veterans Day weekend and we will see everyone back on campus on Tuesday, November 12th.

Lisa Maguire

lmaguire@powayusd.com

SAVE THE DATE: Our next family night is Friday, December 13th. This FREE holiday painting event is sponsored by the Turtleback Education Foundation and Elegant Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Sign up and details coming later this month.

SAVE THE DATE: Our annual academic Spell-a-thon returns next month -- Wednesday, December 11th. Spelling Lists will be sent home with students the week of November 18th and registration for fundraising will open on December 2nd. All funds raised support enrichment programs at Turtleback. Our primary event sponsor is North Hills Pediatric Dentistry.

SAVE THE DATE: Our next restaurant night is at Mendocino Farms (4S Ranch) on Thursday, December 19th from 2 pm to closing. 30% of all sales come back to Turtleback. Show the flyer for in person ordering and use the promo code GIVEBACK for online orders.

Got Harvest Festival and Halloween Parade Pics? Email your pics to tbkyearbook@gmail.com.

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The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is an equal opportunity employer/program and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. PUSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For more information, please contact: Title IX/Equity Compliance Officer, James Jimenez, Associate Superintendent of Personnel support Services, Poway Unified School District, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128, 1-858-521-2800, extension 2121, jjimenez@powayusd.com. For students, you may contact Title IX Coordinator/504 Coordinator Jamie Dayhoff, Director of Attendance and Discipline, Poway Unified School District, 1-858-521-2840, jdayhoff@powayusd.com.

Turtleback Mission: We empower each other to create, communicate, collaborate, and think critically in a community where character counts.

Email: lmaguire@powayusd.com
Website: https://turtleback.powayusd.com/
Location: 15855 Turtleback Road, San Diego, CA 92127
Phone: 858-673-5514