DCSD Attendance

As we approach the new school year, it's important to emphasize that once a student is enrolled in Kindergarten, regular attendance isn't just encouraged—it's expected. Starting from Kindergarten, consistent attendance is crucial because it lays the groundwork for future learning and overall success.

Research highlights the significant impact of attendance: Kindergarten students who frequently miss school often face academic and social challenges in later grades, and are more likely to encounter behavioral issues. These absences can stem from various family or child-specific challenges such as health issues, family schedules, or anxiety about school.

Ensuring regular attendance in Kindergarten is critical for setting our students on a path to success. Let's all commit to supporting our youngest learners in maintaining consistent attendance throughout their educational journey. Regular attendance is not only our expectation; it's a foundational step towards a thriving academic future for every student.

This document outlines several attendance learning opportunities offered by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for the 2025-2026 school year. These opportunities include an E-Learning Series with Attendance Works, Learning Cohorts, a Peer Learning Network, and Webinars, all aimed at improving student attendance and engagement.

For more information, click here

Please take a moment to update the Attendance Staff List for 25-26. Updating the information will ensure staff receive pertinent information throughout the school year.

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides an Attendance Goal Calculator to help schools track and reduce chronic absenteeism. This tool allows schools to assess their progress toward meeting state goals for the 2024–25 school year and plan for the 2026–27 school year.

You can access the Attendance Goal Calculator here:

👉 https://www.cde.state.co.us/code/attendance-goal-calculator

Additionally, CDE is committed to reducing chronic absenteeism by 50% over the next five years. The Every School Day Matters campaign supports this initiative by providing resources and strategies to improve student attendance. Colorado Department of Education

For more information on attendance data and resources, you can visit the CDE Attendance page:

👉 https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval/truancystatistics

Here is messaging for elementary and secondary school leaders to use in their back-to-school messages to families, emphasizing positive attendance:

For All Schools (Elementary & Secondary):

• Welcome to a new school year! We are excited to partner with you to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in our schools.

• When students miss school, they miss vital opportunities to learn, connect with teachers, and engage with their peers. Even when absences are for understandable reasons, missing too much school can make it harder for students to stay on track academically and socially. Research shows that missing just two days a month—or 18 days over a school year—is considered chronic absenteeism and can significantly impact a child’s success. While occasional absences are sometimes unavoidable, it's critical to recognize how quickly they can add up.

• We are committed to working with you to help establish strong attendance habits from the start of the year. Together, we can ensure that every student has the best chance to succeed. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Let’s make it a great year!

Specific Messaging for Elementary School Leaders:

Consider the following:

• Students who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of third grade

• By middle and high school, chronic absence is one of the earliest warning signs that a student may struggle academically and face an increased risk of dropping out.

General Messaging Options for Welcome Emails/Newsletters (can be adapted for either level):

• "We’re excited to welcome students back! Just a reminder—school attendance is more important than ever. Whether it’s the first week or the last, every day a student is in class helps build momentum, confidence, and connection."

  
  

• “Let’s make this year count—starting with strong attendance from day one! When students show up consistently, they are more likely to succeed academically, feel connected, and build habits for life. We’re committed to supporting every student’s success through positive attendance habits. #EveryDayMatters #AttendanceAwareness”

  
  

• This Educator Shows Why Family Trust Is Key to School Attendance

• 4 ways states can better address chronic absenteeism

• More Essential Than Ever: States Taking Action To Improve Attendance

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Email: lmdelapena@dcsdk12.org
Website: DCSD Attendance
Location: 373 Inverness Parkway, Englewood, CO, USA
Phone: 303-387-9636