We hope this message finds you well. As we settle into the school year, we want to emphasize the critical role regular school attendance plays in student achievement and long-term success. Research consistently shows that students who attend school consistently are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and secure well-paying jobs. Conversely, absenteeism puts students at risk of falling behind and missing out on essential learning objectives. Each year, the state of Illinois evaluates our chronic absenteeism rate, defined as the percentage of students missing 10% or more of the school year, whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Before COVID, our absenteeism rate was 2.5%, but in the years since, that number has grown to over 10%, largely due to the precautions we took by asking students with any cold or flu symptoms to stay home. We understand that it can still be difficult to decide whether to send your child to school when they’re not feeling their best. However, the current guideline is that students should attend school unless they have had a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea in the past 24 hours.
This year, we have made attendance a priority in our School Improvement Plan, aiming to reduce chronic absenteeism to below 7%. To help us reach this goal, we’ve formed a committee of counselors, social workers, nurses, and administrators. Working alongside your child’s grade-level team, this committee will monitor and analyze attendance data, assess the impact absences are having on each student’s learning, and collaborate with families to ensure students receive the support they need for continued success in school. Please know that any communication you receive regarding your child’s attendance comes from a place of care and reflects our commitment to partnering with you to promote regular attendance.
We know how much you value your child’s education, and we are here to support you. If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance or need assistance in promoting regular attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help ensure that every student continues to progress academically and stays connected with the Gregory school community.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to our students' success.
