Regular attendance has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.

We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But we also know that when students miss too much school -- regardless of the reason -- it can cause them to fall behind academically.  

Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent, missing 18 or more days over the course of the school year. Research shows:   

• Children chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of third grade.
• By sixth grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.
• By ninth grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than eighth-grade test scores.  

Individual student absences can add up quickly.  A child is considered chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month.

Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time.   Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance: 

• Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick.
• Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
• Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.
• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor,   or another parent to take your child to school if necessary.

Let us know how we can best support you and your children so that they can be present for school on time, every day. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your child’s school, or as always, e-mail us at info@fergflor.org.