We just passed the 100th day of school for the 2023-24 school year, though many students have fallen behind due to both unexcused and excused absences. While we understand that sickness, appointments, and other factors come into play regarding students being absent from school, we want to make sure that they attend every day that they are able to.
Each day that a student is absent from school is a missed opportunity for them to grow academically, physically, and social-emotionally. Too many absences will affect a student’s learning and can adversely affect the entire class.
Research shows that when students attend school regularly, their grades and reading skills improve, even among students who are struggling with their academics. In fact, students who are absent for fewer days are much more likely to graduate from high school, maximizing their opportunities down the road.
The Averill Park Central School District is committed to providing a stimulating learning environment that encourages intellectual growth, and it is extremely important for students to attend school regularly. Did you know that students who miss school two (2) days per month are considered chronically absent and will miss at least 20 days throughout the year? Those who are chronically absent are at risk for lower academic achievement and may even drop out of school altogether.
Research shows that:
- Students who are chronically absent in Kindergarten and First Grade are much less likely to read at their grade level by the end of Third Grade.
- By Sixth Grade, students who are chronically absent show early warning signs for being at risk of dropping out of school.
- By Ninth Grade, chronic absence can predict graduation rates better than Eighth Grade test scores.
- A student who misses 10 days of school per year is 25% less likely to enroll in college.
The last thing that we want to see happen is for your child to fall behind and get discouraged. Here are a few tips to help support regular attendance as we move forward with the remainder of the school year:
- Talk to teachers or counselors for advice if your child feels anxious about going to school.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if there is a transportation issue.
- Make sure your child keeps regular bedtime and morning routines.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Limit screen time.
Resources: