Principal's Message
In California, once a student attends school, regular attendance is required. This includes TK and Kindergarten.
Too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
- Missing 10% (or about 18 days) can make it harder to learn to read and be successful in school.
- Students who are chronically absent in kindergarten are less likely to read by 3rd grade.
- Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks.
- Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
- Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.
What Parents can do:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots.
- Introduce your child to teachers and classmates before school starts to help them transition.
- Don’t let your child stay home unless they are 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 them 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.