ON TIME, ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!
Make school attendance a habit rather than a choice!
One of the most important things your children can do to achieve academic success is also one of the most basic; going to to school every day. In fact, research has shown that it usually takes students three days to catch up with school work for every day they have missed. By making your child’s school attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in supporting your child’s success in school, and setting a good example!
WASHINGTON LAW
What does Washington State Law say?
Washington law requires children from age 8 to 17 to attend a public school, private school, or to receive home-based instruction (homeschooling). Youth who are 16 or older may be excused from attending public school if they have graduated or acquired a GED. Washington’s truancy law, often termed the “Becca Bill”, is intended to curb school truancy before it becomes habitual. The law requires many things of schools, but only requires one thing of students: attend school! If a student does not attend school the law requires the school district to take action.
WARNING SIGNS
Some of the most common reasons for skipping school are oversleeping, wanting to hang out with friends, and being rebellious. However, a student’s refusal to attend school may also be the result of some of the following issues:
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Coweeman Middle School Attendance Video
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Help your child get to school on time every day. Babysitting, problems with a car or late bus, and the weather are not permissible reasons to miss school. Coming to school late will also be noted on your child’s permanent record, and will make it difficult for your child to stay caught up with the first lessons of each morning.
Follow the school’s guidelines and attendance policy, and report excused absences immediately. At the beginning of the school year, review the school’s rules and make sure you understand whom you need to call if your child is going to be absent.
Take an active role. Stay involved with your child’s daily experiences at school by asking how the school day went, and then listening carefully to what your child shares with you both the successes and struggles. Make it a point to meet your child’s teacher 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.
Try to limit the amount of time that your child misses school due to 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.
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 that 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 to fix lunches.
Promote good health. Make sure that 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 that your child can relax before bedtime by doing something quiet like reading rather than do something stimulating, like watching television. Ensure that your child gets enough quality sleep ideal amounts range from 8 to 12 hours.
