September is Attendance Awareness Month

September is Attendance Awareness Month

September 7, 2017 (San Dimas, CA) – Bonita USD is joining with school districts across the country to celebrate September as Attendance Awareness Month.

As students start back to school in the fall, it’s important to remind parents and our community how important regular attendance is for our kids. Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. When our schools, parents and community join together to promote consistent, on-time attendance for students of all ages, our students will be on the road to success!

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.  A child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year. Research shows:    

·        Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1^st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3^rd grade.  

·        By 6^th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.  

·        By 9^th grade good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8^th grade test scores.  

Being on time is also important.  Children can miss crucial parts of the school day if they are late.  Late-arriving students are also disruptive to class routines.  Start a lifelong habit of arriving at school on time.

Here are a few practical tips to help families 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 back up plans for getting to school if something comes up.  Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.

We hope to see your child on time, every day at school.  Attendance counts!

More tips for families and communities can be found at www.attendanceworks.org

For more information, contact Susan Cross Hume at 909-971-8200 or Hume@bonita.k12.ca.us