Strive for 95
As we begin the new year, we thought it might be time to revisit the topic of attendance. Introducing..."Strive for 95!"
Our attendance goal for the school is that all students will attend school at least 95% of the time. Hopefully, you will be seeing our Strive for 95 campaign around the school soon, as well as in occasional emails with tips and suggestions to help students achieve these goals.
To put the 95% attendance goal in perspective, this amounts to missing fewer than 5 days per semester! Of course, we understand that illness or family things happen from time to time, so we don’t want to suggest that a student should come when they are very ill. However, as studies have shown, students who attend school more generally perform better, so we want to encourage them to be here as much as they are capable.
While our normal interventions will be in place, we want to find fun ways to encourage students to attend school regularly, and achieve that goal of 95%. We've thought of a few ideas:
- Weekly drawings when the school achieves 95% for the previous week
- Improved attendance awards
- Monthly drawings for no lates and tardies
- WIN Time fun activities
- and more!
Of course, these are only a few ideas, and we want to do more. We'd love your feedback and suggestions, as well! We're hoping to make attending school THE thing to do!
Did you know?
The phrase "chronically absent" is defined as missing only 10% or more of total school days per year.
At Los Alamos High School, that 10% translates to about 18 days (or 72 periods) per year, which is about 9 days (36 periods) per semester. That is less than 2 days per month to be considered "chronically absent!"
Why Attendance Matters
Attendance for students is important for so many reasons:
1. Academic Success
Regular attendance is crucial for academic achievement. Missing school means missing out on vital lessons, class discussions, and activities that aid learning.
2. Consistent Learning
Regular attendance helps students keep up with the curriculum and prevents gaps in knowledge, ensuring a steady academic progression.
3. Skill Development
Being present in class helps students develop essential life skills such as discipline, responsibility, and time management.
4. Social Interaction
School is not just about academics; it's also a place for social learning. Regular attendance helps students build and maintain friendships and develop social skills.
5. Future Opportunities
Attendance records can impact future opportunities. Colleges and employers often consider attendance as a measure of reliability and dedication.
Side Effects of Poor Attendance
1. Academic Decline
Students who frequently miss school tend to fall behind in their studies, leading to lower grades and reduced understanding of the material.
2. Increased Dropout Rate
Chronic absenteeism is a significant factor in students dropping out of school, which can limit future career and educational prospects.
3. Social Isolation
Missing school regularly can lead to social isolation, as students miss out on opportunities to interact with peers and participate in group activities.
4. Behavioral Issues
Poor attendance is often linked with behavioral problems, including higher rates of disciplinary issues and lower levels of engagement in school activities.
What Can I Do as a Parent?
1. Create a Routine
Establish a consistent daily routine to help students get to school on time every day.
2. Set Goals
Encourage students to set personal attendance goals and reward them for meeting these targets.
3. Stay Healthy
Promote good health and hygiene to prevent illness-related absences.
4. Engage in School Activities
Get involved in school activities and clubs to increase engagement and motivation to attend.
5. Communicate
Maintain open communication with teachers and school staff about any challenges that may affect attendance.
What Are My Resources?
School Counselors and Administration:
Offer support and resources to help address barriers to regular attendance.
Parent-Teacher Associations:
Work together to create a supportive community focused on student success.
Online Portals:
Utilize school online portals to stay updated on attendance records and academic progress.
Still want more help? Watch this short video on the importance of attending school, with some tips for success.
Thank you so much for your support in helping your student attend school regularly!