Calhoun County ISD is joining other school districts, nationwide, in celebration of Attendance Awareness during the month of September.
It is important for students, parents and community members to understand that there is a direct correlation between good attendance and student achievement, social development, teacher effectiveness and school resources. Developing a habit of attendance prepares students for success on the job and in life.
Unnecessary student absences are costly in a variety of ways:
- Students can’t learn: When students are absent, they are missing opportunities to learn, socialize and be inspired.
- Teachers can’t teach: Teachers aren’t as effective when they have to spend time “catching up” students who have missed
- Schools lose funding: The state funds schools based on an equation that includes daily attendance. Every day missed cost the schools potential revenue that could be used to fund more teachers and programs.
However, some absences are unavoidable, due to health concerns or other circumstances.
But far too many students are at risk academically because they are chronically absent.
Chronic absence is described as missing 10 percent of the school year—or about 18 days – for any reason, excused or unexcused. That’s the point at which absenteeism begins to affect student performance the most, research shows. Nationally, 5 million to 7.5 million miss nearly a month of school in excused and unexcused absences every year. Evidence shows that even as early as Kindergarten, or even Preschool, chronic absenteeism predicts lower 3rd grade reading scores. By middle school it’s a warning sign that students could fail key classes and/or drop out of high school.
Parents can help their children avoid unnecessary absences by scheduling routine appointments and vacations outside of the school day. A regular bedtime and morning routine makes getting to school on time easier. Also, having a transportation plan (and back up transportation plan) puts your child in the best position to arrive to school on time, every day. Calhoun County ISD offers transportation to/from school. For additional information about Calhoun County ISD’s transportation service, please contact 361-552-2177 or any campus.