From the Superintendent’s Desk

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By Kurt Lindau Lake Holcombe District Administrator

Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in making sure students receive a good education. Students who attend regularly, have a much greater chance of doing well on report cards, and state and district assessments.

If students are not here, it makes it tough to learn, because of missing the core instruction delivered by a quality teacher. This is a lifelong skill that will ensure success in your student’s future.

Employers consider regular attendance to be one of the most important assets in a quality employee. This pattern of behavior starts early on in life during their PK12 education.

The following are some things that you can do to encourage a pattern of good attendance for your son or daughter.

Help your child get to school on time every day. Teach your child how to set, and use, an alarm clock, and keep the television turned off in the morning.

Check homework. Check each night to see that your child understands and completes the day’s homework assignments.

Take an active role. Stay involved with your child’s daily experiences at school, by asking how the school day went, then listening carefully to what your child shares with you – both the successes and struggles. Make it a point to meet with your child’s teachers and friends.

Locate potential sources of anxiety. If your child frequently appears upset or reluctant to go to school, and cannot tell you why, schedule an appointment with his or her teacher, or school counselor, to talk about possible sources of the anxiety.

Keep updated on school events and announcements. Read the school documents your child brings home, and take note of important announcements and dates, such as parent-teacher conferences.

Try to limit the amount of time your child misses school, because of medical appointments or illness. If possible, avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments during the school day. Allow your child to stay home only in the case of contagious or severe illnesses.

Students who miss days, weeks or months of school at a time, will have a difficult time passing their courses and catching up to their peers. For older students, prolonged absences may make it very difficult to graduate from high school.

Schedule family events with your child’s school schedule in mind. Plan holiday celebrations or family trips during weekends, or school vacations. In the case of family emergencies or unexpected trips, talk to your child’s teacher as far in advance as possible and set up a way your child can work ahead, or bring important homework on the trip.

Plan ahead. Encourage your child to prepare for the next school day, by laying out clothes the night before and helping fix lunches.

Promote good health. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and has opportunities to exercise every day through a sports team or playtime outside.

Create a restful environment. Make sure your child can relax before bedtime, by doing something quiet like reading, rather than something stimulating, like watching television. Ensure your child gets enough quality sleep; ideal amounts range from eight to 12 hours. Getting enough sleep will help him or her get up on time, be refreshed in the morning and feel ready for a full day of learning ahead.

By making your child’s school attendance a priority, you will take an important step in supporting your child’s school success and setting a good example. Remember, every day counts! Please encourage your son or daughter to commit to regular school attendance.