September 17th-21st was National Attendance week and the West Fresno Eagles showed that they are excited about attending school everyday! To promote the importance of school attendance, school staff hosted a variety of fun activities throughout the week leading up to an attendance rally.
According to AttendanceWorks.org, research shows that missing school during the first month of the year “can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.”
What can parents do to be proactive when it comes to school attendance?
- Bring your child to school on time every day. When students arrive on time, they can take advantage of healthy meals and won’t miss important classroom instruction.
- Make sure your child is getting enough rest. Put away all devices at the same time each night and encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep so that they will be ready for school.
- Keep your child healthy during winter months by encouraging them to wash their hands often and dressing them warmly during cold weather. Finally, if you are concerned about sickness, see your child’s doctor or visit the school nurse right away.
- Reach out to school staff for help! If you and your child are having trouble getting to school on time everyday, talk to your child’s teacher or other school staff about ideas that might work for your child.
If you are concerned about your child’s school attendance, your child’s school can help! There are many services available for students and families to ensure that every child feels safe, healthy, and welcomed at school. Please contact your school site for more information.
