Talk To Your Child About Attendance and Why It Matters

From the Elementary Principal-Lyndsey Hall

“It’s just one day, Mom,” your child says as he begs you to let him stay home from school. “Missing one day won’t hurt, will it?”

In fact, it will and here’s why:

• Students today are expected to learn more than students in the past. Since each day’s learning builds on what was done the day before, if your child misses a day he has missed an important building block.

• Going to school regularly teaches your child important habits. He learns about responsibility and dependability. He learns how to manage his time. These are things he’ll need to know as an adult.

So what can you do? You can:

• Help your child get organized. Kids are often late to school because they’re looking for a lost sneaker or misplaced homework. Take five minutes every night to get ready and organized for the next day.

• Know school rules. What is the school policy on absences? Be sure you call the school if your child is going to be absent for any reason.

• Make school the top priority. Letting your child stay home from school because he’s not ready for a test sends the wrong message.

Source: “School Attendance: It Matters More Than You May Think,” Mohonasen School District, www.mohonasen.org/03parents/MSParent/Attendance.htm.