CREATING A CULTURE OF ATTENDANCE
We go to school to learn and grow.
Don't miss school don't fall behind.
These are keys to doing your best.
This catchy jingle embodies the spirit
of playfulness with a clear message:
missing less than ve days of school
is hitting the mark of excellence!
Strong communities thrive in the face of
adversity and work together to uncover
needs and find solutions together.
Attendance Works, an ally helping the
Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level
Reading jump the hurdle of chronic
absenteeism, shares easy tips on building
a habit of good attendance:
• Set a regular bed time and morning
routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the
night before.
• At the beginning of the year, nd out what
day school starts and make sure your child
has the required shots.
• Introduce your child to her/his teachers
and classmates before school starts to
help her/him transition.
• Don’t let your child stay home unless she/
he is truly sick. Keep in mind complaints
of a stomach-ache or headache can be
a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay
home.
• If your child seems anxious about
going to school, talk to teachers, school
counselors, or other parents for advice on
how to make her/him feel comfortable and
excited about learning.
• Develop back-up plans for getting to
school if something comes up. Call on
a family member, a neighbor, or another
parent.
• Avoid medical appointments and
extended trips when school is in session.
Attending school regularly helps children
feel better about school - and themselves.
Start building this habit in preschool so
they learn right away that going to school
on time, every day is important. Good
attendance will help children do well in
high school, college, and at work.
When we work together to monitor data,
encourage a habit of regular attendance,
and reduce hurdles that keep children from
getting to school, chronic absenteeism will
eventually wither away.