JANUARY'S NEWLETTERS

Dear Davidson Families,

Happy New Year! I hope this letter finds you well as we continue this important school year filled with learning and growth. One of the most critical factors contributing to your child’s academic success is regular and consistent attendance. Being present in school helps students build strong connections, develop essential skills, and fully engage with their educational experiences. When students are not at school, we simply cannot teach them.

We recognize that challenges in recent years have impacted attendance. Below are Davidson’s attendance statistics over the past five school years:

· 2019-2020: 94% attendance

· 2020-2021: 90% attendance

· 2021-2022: 87% attendance

· 2023-2024: 88% attendance

· 2024-2025: 89% attendance

During the 2019-2020 school year, we transitioned to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020-2021, some students attended school online while others learned remotely. By 2021, we were able to return to full in-person learning. While we have made incremental growth in attendance, we are still working toward reaching our pre-COVID attendance levels.

Here is the attendance data by grade level for the current school year so far:

· Kindergarten: 87%

· 1st Grade: 88%

· 2nd Grade: 91%

· 3rd Grade: 90%

· 4th Grade: 90%

· 5th Grade: 91%

· 6th Grade: 90%

We are especially concerned about lower attendance rates in kindergarten and 1st grade. These early years are essential for building foundational skills, socialization, and forming habits that support good attendance throughout a student’s academic journey. These grades are just as important as learning in the older grades, laying the groundwork for future success.

It’s important to emphasize that our teachers are working incredibly hard to provide the best education possible, and our students are putting in tremendous effort when they are here. However, we need students in school consistently to ensure they can reach their full potential. At times, we’ve heard from students that they stayed home simply because a parent didn’t wake up or they were playing video games—despite not being sick. This is a trend we must reverse together.

While we absolutely want students who are truly sick to stay home and recover, if your child is not experiencing a fever or vomiting, we encourage them to come to school. Regular attendance is essential to their success, and every day counts.

Alarmingly, 44 students at Davidson are already chronically absent this year, having missed 18 or more days, and we are only halfway through the school year. This level of absenteeism directly impacts student learning and achievement. Our proficiency levels are lower than they should be, and improving attendance is key to helping every student thrive academically.

We are excited to announce our next Jump Party on January 21! Students who have demonstrated good behavior, shown academic growth, and had no more than three absences for the quarter will be invited to participate. The Jump Party will feature a jumping castle and obstacle course for the students to enjoy. This is a quarterly event, so if your child is not able to attend this quarter's Jump Party, they can work towards joining the 3rd quarter event simply by improving their attendance and/or behavior.

Here’s how you can support your child’s attendance:

1. Set a Routine: Establish consistent bedtime and morning routines to ensure your child is well-rested and prepared for school.

2. Plan Ahead: Schedule family vacations and non-emergency appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

3. Communicate: If your child needs to be absent due to illness or an unavoidable circumstance, please inform the school promptly.

4. Encourage Engagement: Talk to your child about the importance of attending school and staying connected to their learning community.

We are here to support you and your child. If you face challenges with attendance or need assistance, please reach out to our office. We are committed to working together to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

Thank you for your partnership and dedication to your child’s education. Together, we can achieve a successful school year filled with growth and achievement.

Warmly,

Sarah Andricopoulos, Proud Principal of Davidson

Hi Dragon Families,

Sometimes our students need a little more help with challenging issues. Groups I have run in the past include, Anger Management, Changing families, Stress, making and keeping friends, and grief. If you would like your child to be considered for a small group, please contact me by email or call 520-232-6830.