Ms. Simmons' Secondary Scoop

As we embark on a new school year, I want to take a moment to emphasize the crucial role that regular school attendance plays in your student's educational journey.

School attendance is far more than a mere formality; it is a fundamental building block of academic success. When students attend school regularly and punctually, they experience numerous benefits that contribute to their overall achievement and personal growth.

1. **Academic Progress**: Consistent attendance allows students to receive continuous instruction, ensuring that they don't miss essential lessons and assignments. This helps them build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in various subjects.

2. **Skill Development**: School is not just about academic subjects; it's also a place where students learn important life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and social interaction. Regular attendance provides ample opportunities for these skills to be nurtured.

3. **Confidence and Self-Esteem**: Success breeds confidence. When students regularly attend school and perform well academically, they gain a sense of accomplishment, leading to increased self-esteem and a positive self-image.

4. **Social Development**: School is a place where children interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. Consistent attendance enables students to build friendships, develop teamwork skills, and learn to respect and appreciate differences.

5. **Teacher Support**: Teachers play a pivotal role in a student's education. Regular attendance allows teachers to monitor students' progress closely, identify areas where they may need extra help, and provide timely support.

6. **Preparation for the Future**: School is a stepping stone to future opportunities. Regular attendance instills discipline and responsibility, qualities that are invaluable as your student progresses through their education and into adulthood.

7. **Legal Requirements**: It's important to remember that school attendance is also a legal requirement. Regular attendance ensures compliance with the law and avoids any potential legal consequences.

I understand that unforeseen circumstances may occasionally disrupt attendance, and I am here to support you in such situations. Please communicate with the school if your student faces challenges in attending school regularly so we can work together to find solutions.

Secondary students are allowed 10 excused absences per semester. If your student needs to miss school for an appointment, please call the school or email Karla or Mirista in advance. All students will check out through the front office. Please remember, an absence due to a medical or dental appointment is excused, but it still counts towards students' total absences per semester. Please strive to make planned appointments on days off, Wednesday afternoons, or schedule the earliest or latest available appointments. Missing two days of school a month results in over 3.5 weeks missed during the school year. I sincerely appreciate your help in keeping students in school as much as possible.

I cannot emphasize enough the profound impact that consistent school attendance can have on your child's education and future opportunities. Together, we can ensure that your student receives the best possible educational experience. Thank you for entrusting the Elkton School District with your student's education. We look forward to a school year filled with growth!

• No school Fri, 9/1 or Mon, 9/4. School resumes on Tue, 9/5.
• Fall conferences will be held in the north gym on Mon, 9/18 from 2:30-8 PM & Wed, 9/20 from 2:30-4 PM.
• School will dismiss at 1 PM on Wed, 11/22 & Thur, 12/21.

Homecoming week is right around the corner! The student council and staff have been busy planning and preparing. Please click here to see all the details, including dress up days and special events. Remember, homecoming t-shirt orders are due Mon, 9/4!

We are looking forward to a wonderful homecoming week and know it will be a highlight for our entire Herd community.

As fall activities are now underway, please take a moment to read through our expectations for spectators at Elkton events. By adhering to these expectations, students and fans can contribute to a supportive and spirited environment that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game. Go Elks!

It's a common question parents/guardians ask their student(s), and access to online lesson plans provides meaningful conversation concerning homework and what students are learning. Online lesson plans also open lines of communication when students miss school. Students can first check online to see the plan for each of their classes, and follow up with the teacher(s) to complete what was missed. I hope this continues to be a valuable resource for our families.

In an effort to cut down on injuries and other safety concerns, horseplay has been added to the discipline matrix at the secondary level as approved by the school board. Horseplay is defined in the student handbook as rough, rowdy, or boisterous play or pranks, such as pushing, shoving, putting someone in a headlock, jabs, pulling a chair out from someone, dunking, or other actions typically described as “just joking” or “messing around.” Consequences for horseplay will first be a verbal warning, then after school detention if it happens again, and then ISS if there is a third offense. As always, the secondary student handbook is linked at the bottom of this newsletter and available to view on our school website.

While junior high and high school students are striving towards independence, there are three important ways to stay connected to your student’s education:

1. Please make sure all current contact information (cell phone, mailing address, & email address) is provided to the school. All three of these communication outlets are used regularly throughout the school year.

2. Please login to the Parent Portal at a minimum of once per week to check your student’s grades and attendance. If you do not have an account, please contact Mrs. Mirista Bushman or Mrs. Bonnie Yackley by calling the school or emailing mirista.bushman@k12.sd.us / bonnie.yackley@k12.sd.us.

3. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and download our free app, “Elkton School District, SD” to stay up-to-date with school events and activities.

Website: https://www.elkton.k12.sd.us/
Phone: (605) 542-2541
Facebook: facebook.com/ElktonSchool53
Twitter: @ElktonSchool

A few back-to-school reminders as we head into our new year:

• Link to the JH/HS student handbook

• Link to online lesson plans

• Link to all school activities

As always, please let me know if there's anything I can do to serve you and our secondary students.

Sincerely in Education,