Jarrell ISD Monday Memo
September 23, 2024
Cougars,
As we enter the sixth week of the school year, it's important to remember that regular school attendance is key to academic success. It's about being present and actively participating in the learning process. When students attend school daily, they interact with teachers, participate in discussions, and ask questions, all of which help with learning. Students also participate in sports, arts, and clubs when they attend school. Group activities, projects, and discussions allow students to learn how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, build teamwork skills, and understand accountability. Regular attendance lays the foundation for a successful educational journey.
When students miss school, they miss valuable instruction time, leading to educational gaps. Research shows that missing more than two school days a month equals:
10% of the school year
Poor attendance influences a child's reading proficiency
Chronic absence is a leading indicator that students will drop out of high school.
The image below explains how missing two to four school days a month delays a child's academic growth and has lasting consequences.
In addition to affecting a child's academic performance, Texas is one of the few states that base school funding on attendance rather than enrollment. Our district's budget is tied to the daily attendance rate. If we consistently have students miss school, it impacts our budget, and we must operate on a balanced budget.
We must partner together to ensure our students are in class and learning. Below are the district's attendance policy and additional resources about the importance of attending school and how to prevent chronic absences.
Jarrell ISD Attendance Policy
A student absent for any portion of the day should follow the procedures below to provide documentation of the absence. Documentation after an Absence (All Grade Levels): A parent must provide an explanation for any absence upon the student's arrival or return to school. The student must submit a note signed by the parent. A note signed by the student will not be accepted unless the student is 18 or older or is an emancipated minor under state law. The campus will document whether the absence is excused or unexcused in its attendance records. Click on the link below to learn more about our attendance policies and truancy.
