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    According to a comprehensive study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, students who attend school regularly are 1.7 times more likely to achieve proficiency in core subjects such as math and reading compared to their counterparts with irregular attendance.

    Facts About School Attendance:

    • Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2–4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school. 

    • Chronic absence appears to have doubled, and it is estimated that it now affects nearly one out of three students. 

    • Absenteeism and its ill effects start early. 

    • Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back. 

    • By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school. 

    • Research shows that missing 10 percent of school, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence.

      What You Can Do:

      Make school attendance a priority!

      • Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day.
      • Help your child maintain healthy daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night's sleep.
      • Try not to schedule appointments during the school day. 
      • Keep your child healthy.
      • If your child has to stay home because they are sick, make sure they have asked teachers for resources and materials to make up for the missed learning time in the classroom.
      • Communicate with your school.
      • Check on their attendance to be sure absences aren't adding up.

      Every Day Counts

      Please contact Holly Laney, Director of Special Education & Student Services, at 205-849-3700 or Michelle Ocampo, TIS/THS Parent Liaison, at 205-849-0168 & 205-849-0172 for more information. 
    • Michelle Ocampo, TIS/THS Parent Liaison