Every Day Counts
Encouraging
regular school attendance is one of the most powerful ways you can prepare your
child for success—both in school and in life. When you make school attendance a
priority, you help your child get better grades, develop healthy life habits,
avoid dangerous behavior and have a better chance of graduating from high
school.
When students
are absent for fewer days, their grades and reading skills often improve—even
among those students who are struggling in school. Students who attend school
regularly also feel more connected to their community, develop important social
skills and friendships, and are significantly more likely to graduate from high
school, setting them up for a strong future.
But, when kids
are absent for an average of just two days of school per month—even when the
absences are excused– it can have a negative impact. These absences can affect
kids as early as Kindergarten.
For example,
young elementary school students who miss an average of just two school days
per month may have difficulty keeping up with their peers academically and tend
to fall behind in reading. But when students are able to read on grade level by
the end of third grade, which is when kids transition from learning to read to reading to learn, they are
three to four times more likely to graduate high school and attend college,
post-graduate, or professional development classes than their peers who
struggle with reading.
As a parent,
you can prepare your child for a lifetime of success by making regular school
attendance a priority.
Please view the short video below:
The Importance of
School Attendance (US Department of Education)
However, there are times when it’s best to keep your child at
home.
Should I send my child to school?
Please
do not send your child to school if he/she is showing any of the following
symptoms of illness:
Fever
greater than 100 degrees - Your child should be fever free, and off of
all fever reducing medication for 24 hours before he or she returns to school.
Students returning to school before they are well, are more susceptible to
illness and may expose others. Please do not give your child medication to
treat a fever and then send him or her to school.
Sore throat or tonsillitis - A minor sore throat is
usually not a problem, but a severe sore throat could be a symptom of a more
serious illness. Keep your child home from school and contact your child's
doctor if your child is diagnosed with Strep Throat. He/she may return to school
24-48 hours after initiation of appropriate prescribed medication (and the
absence of fever).
Unusual Spots/Rash - Do not send your child
to school with a rash until their doctor has said that it is safe to do so.
Children with ringworm, scabies, or impetigo can return to school after 24
hours after beginning treatment. The affected area should be covered if
possible.
Bad Cough/Cold Symptoms - Children with bad
coughs/colds need to stay home, and possibly see their doctor. When the cough
improves and your child is feeling better he/she may return to school.
Eye Inflammation or Discharge - If your child's eye is
red with cloudy or yellow/green drainage; crusty eyelids after sleep; eye pain
and/or redness, you should keep your child home, and contact your child's
doctor. If your child is diagnosed with pink eye, he or she may return to
school 24 hours after treatment begins.
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea - Your child should stay
home until the illness is over, and for 24 hours after the last episode
(without medication).
*If your child is showing symptoms of illness, it is always best to consult with their physician.
*Please remember to call the attendance line
at (808) 626-0940 ext. 400 if your child will be absent from school.
