Gator Gazette

Dear Arnett Hills Families,

Every single day a student is in school is a day they grow stronger, smarter, and more confident. When they’re not here, learning stops — and opportunities are lost.

At Arnett Hills, we believe that we all—parents, educators, and community members—owe our children the opportunity to learn. When they miss school, we are denying them that opportunity.

Let’s work together to make sure every gator gets the education they deserve!

Learning builds day by day. Each lesson connects to the next like pieces of a puzzle. When students miss school, those pieces go missing—especially in reading, where every skill builds on the one before.

Students who miss even a few days each month:

• Struggle to keep up with reading fluency and comprehension.
• Miss important classroom discussions that grow their understanding.
• May start feeling frustrated or “behind,” which hurts their self-esteem and love of learning.

We want every gator to feel proud of their progress. That starts with showing up.

Being present doesn’t just grow brains—it grows hearts and habits.

When students come to school every day, they:

✅ Build confidence by mastering new skills.

✅ Strengthen friendships and trust with teachers.

✅ Learn to persevere when things get tough.

But when absences pile up, students can feel disconnected or unsure of themselves. Over time, they may lose confidence in what they can do.

The best way to help a child believe in themselves is to help them show up. Every day in school is a message that says:

"You Matter. Your Learning Matters."

Let’s make a family commitment to attendance:

“We promise to be present, on time, and ready to learn every day.

We know that showing up helps us grow stronger, smarter, and kinder.”

Together, we can make sure every gator has the chance to shine.

Chronic absenteeism—missing 10% or more of the school year (that’s just 2 days a month)—has a lasting effect on a child’s future.

Students who are chronically absent:

• Fall behind in reading and math.
• Are more likely to repeat a grade.
• Are more likely to drop out before graduation.

It starts small, but the impact adds up. Each day missed is a day that can never be replaced.

At Arnett Hills, we want to change that story. Our students deserve every opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed—and that begins with being here.

Small changes can make a big difference:

• Keep a consistent bedtime and morning routine.
• Schedule doctor or dental appointments after school when possible.
• Contact the school if your child must be absent — we’ll help them catch up.
• Let us know if transportation, illness, or other issues are affecting attendance — we’re here to support you.

We love our gators, and we believe in them. But belief alone isn’t enough. They need us—all of us—to give them the chance to learn by making sure they are in school, every day.

When we work together, we give our children the gift of opportunity — and that’s something they’ll carry for life.

After-School Program Is in Session!

🎉 This program is designed to provide additional learning support for students in grades 3–5. Students can also make up days by attending after school!

• Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

• Time: 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM

• Transportation: NOW AVAILABLE!!!!!

If your child in grades 3–5 did not receive one and you are interested in having them attend, please email our program coordinator, Ms. Mariah Walker, at mwalker1@mail.dps.k12.va.us.

We look forward to supporting our Gators with this extra time for learning and growth!

• Morning drop off is at 7:40, please do not let students out before staff has arrived to greet them and see them safely inside.

To ensure a smooth dismissal process, students may not be checked out after 2:15pm.

To ensure the safety of all students, parents or guardians MUST present an ID at the time of checkout. We thank you for your cooperation.

Arnett Hills Elementary School

Associate Principal: Mr. Withers Jackson

Assistant Priincipal: Mr. Gary Lawson

Website: https://arnetthills.danvillepublicschools.org/
Location: 811 Northmont Blvd, Danville, Va. 24540

Phone: 434-354-0112