Message from DVE's School Counselor

Students in grades 3-5 will be given a School Climate survey soon. The survey will be asking questions about connections to school, safety, and emotional well-being. The School Climate survey is important data in designing a comprehensive school counseling program, and it allows me to follow up with students who need additional support. If you would like your child to opt out of the survey, please contact Carey Hawkins by phone (253-891-4600), email (carey_hawkins@sumnersd.org) or Parent Square before September 22. Thank you!

Attendance Matters, Even in Elementary School!

September is Attendance Awareness Month!

Regular school attendance is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s success in school and in life. When attendance is a priority, students have more opportunities to learn, build healthy habits, connect with others, and succeed.

The number of days missed matters!

Whether excused or unexcused, absences can impact your student’s success. Families should strive for regular attendance, which means averaging fewer than two absences per month. Missing 10 percent of the school year—about 18 days—can cause students to fall behind in reading and math and may impact graduation.

Did you know?

Too many absences can cause students to fall behind as early as kindergarten.
By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs a student may not graduate from high school.
Absences may signal that a student is struggling with schoolwork, relationships, or another concern.