Attendance: Families Make the Difference

by Nola Renz, Community Impact Manager for Early Grade Excellence

As a parent you fundamentally shape whether children develop a habit of attendance and have the resources they need to get to school every day. Parents can deliver the message to their children and to other parents that missing more than 18 days of an 180-day school year can put students at academic risk. So what are things you can do to promote a habit of attendance?

Avoid extended vacations that require your children to miss school. Try to line up vacations with the school’s schedule. The same goes for doctor’s appointments.

Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Make sure children get 9-11 hours of sleep. Make sure that when the lights go out, so do the cell phones, video games and computers.

·       Set up homework routines. Make sure the child has the time and space to complete their homework. Eliminate distractions as much as possible and help to keep them focused.

·       Get to know the teachers and administrators. Make sure you introduce your child to teachers before school starts and keep in touch with the teachers.

·       Set an example for your child. Show him or her that attendance matters to you and that you won’t allow an absence unless someone is truly sick. Don’t ask older children to help with daycare and household errands that would keep them from school.

·       Remember, you can turn to the school for help. Many schools offer a variety of services and supports for the whole family. 

      Thank you for making a difference for your children by having them in school every day.