Over the past few weeks I have had some great conversations with families who were seeking clarification on our district attendance policy and, because of those conversations, I thought it might be worthwhile to ensure we are all on the same page regarding student absences. We value your partnership in your child's education and believe that clear communication is essential for our continued success.
First and foremost, we want to emphasize that the health and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. If your child is ill, we encourage you to keep them at home to recover and prevent the spread of illness to others. We greatly appreciate it when you notify us of your child's absence, as this communication helps us ensure the safety of all our students and allows us to plan accordingly. Please continue to call the school or email Ms. Houseworth when your child will be absent.
Additionally, it is important to understand that even when an absence is called in and excused, it still affects your child's overall attendance percentage. This is because attendance is based on the physical presence of a student in the classroom. While we recognize the difference between excused and unexcused absences, both types impact the total time a student spends learning in school. Because of this, families might receive attendance letters if your child were to dip below a certain percentage to ensure you all are aware and we can stay connected.
Our goal in sharing this information is to foster a clear understanding of how attendance is calculated and reported. We believe that regular attendance is crucial for academic success and want to work with you to ensure your child has the best possible educational experience. If you have any questions or concerns about our attendance policy or your child's specific situation, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office. We are here to support you and your child.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership.
