Attendance Awareness Month

As your child and your family settle into the rhythm of the new school year, we want to share some expectations and strategies to support your family so that students are present in school.

The Barrington School Board requires that school-aged children enrolled in the District attend school in accordance with all applicable state laws and School Board policies.

The law and policy state that students that miss more than 10 unexcused half days are truant. Therefore, missing 0-4 days is our goal for each child. Any child that misses 5 or more unexcused days is considered "truant" according to the policies and laws."

• We will ensure effective communication between home and school
• We will actively seek to motivate and encourage school attendance
• We will collaborate with family doctors, counselors, and community resources
• We will create plans to meet unique needs of students
• We will remain solution-focused to address attendance concerns

• Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.

• Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can make it harder to learn to read. Students can still fall behind if they miss just one or two days every few weeks.

• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.

• Absences and tardiness can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up.

• Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.

• Try to schedule non-urgent related medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session.

• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

• If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call your school or health care provider for advice.

• If your child must stay home due to illness, ask the teacher for resources and ideas to continue learning at home.

If you need assistance with attendance matters, please contact us. Our school counselor is a great resource. Grades PK & K: Brie Thomas (bthomas@sau74.org)