Skip To Main Content

Be here GP! Every day counts

Our attendance initiative – Be Here GP! Every Day Counts – is intended to emphasize the impact school attendance can have 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 student is less likely to succeed if they are chronically absent—which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year (only 2 days per month). 

Research shows:

  • Students chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. And students who are not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade are less likely to graduate on time.
  • By 6th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.
  • By 9th grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores.

Going to school regularly is important. Every day counts!

We don’t want your student to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your student attends school every day and arrives on time.

Resources

If you need help with housing, food, mental/emotional health, caregiving and more there are resources available. 

211

SOESD

Additional Resources

Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:

elementary

Make school attendance a priority

  • Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
  • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
  • Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required shots.
  • Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up.
  • Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.
  • Try to schedule medical appointments and extended trips when school isn't in session.

Help your student get excited for school

  • Share positive stories about your school experience when you were a young student.

  • Make up silly songs about everyday routines: getting up, eating breakfast, and going to school.

  • Read to your child each night in their home language.

Communicate with the school

  • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, Behavior Intervention Specialists or your school principal for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

  • If your child must stay home due to illness, ask the teacher for resources and ideas to continue learning at home.

 

middle/high school

Make school attendance a priority

  • Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day.
  • Help your children maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
  • Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day.
  • If your children must stay home because they are sick, make sure they have asked teachers for resources and materials to make up for the missed learning time in the classroom.

Help your teen stay engaged

  • Find out if your children feel engaged by their classes, and feel safe from bullies and other threats.
  • Make sure your children are not missing class because of challenges with behavioral issues or school discipline policies. If any of these are problems, contact the school and work with them to find a solution.
  • Monitor your child’s academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors when necessary. Make sure teachers know how to contact you.
  • Stay on top of your child’s social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.
  • Encourage your child to join meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.
  • Notice and support your children if they are showing signs of anxiety.

Communicate with the school

  • Know the school’s attendance policy – incentives and penalties.
  • Check on your child’s attendance to be sure absences are not adding up.
  • Seek help from school staff, other parents or community agencies if you need support.