Discovery-Every Day & Minute Counts

Dear Discovery Academy Families,

At CREC Discovery Academy, our top priority is ensuring your children feel connected, safe, and excited to learn every single day. When students are here, they build meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers, explore new hands-on acrtivities, and build the foundation for lifelong success.

As part of Connecticut’s state accountability reporting (via EdSight), our school is measured on several key metrics, including student growth, performance, and chronic absenteeism. Currently, missing too many days hurts our overall state index score because we lose points on accountability indicators tied to chronic attendance.

Our goal isn't just about school scores—it’s about your child’s growth! Every day in class provides experiences that simply cannot be replaced with make-up work at home.

(Click the picture to see 10 Facts about School Attendance)

• What is Chronic Absence? A student is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of the school year. That equals just 2 days per month

• Early Habits Last: Research shows that building strong daily attendance and on-time habits in elementary school sets children up for success all the way through middle school, high school, and beyond!

The first few minutes of the school day are about so much more than getting settled in the classroom. Each morning, we come together for announcements, celebrate students making great choices and doing great work through our Caught Beings, and share a reminder about our weekly Executive Functioning goal. In classrooms, students unpack, greet their teachers and friends, and enjoy breakfast before beginning the day.

Once announcements conclude, every classroom gathers for a Community Circle. This is one of the most important parts of our morning! It gives students an opportunity to connect with classmates, build relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and prepare to learn together. When students arrive late or miss the start of the day, they miss more than announcements or a few minutes of instruction; they miss an important opportunity to build community.

Beyond missing these important opportunities to connect with classmates, the more time students miss, the more opportunities they lose for valuable classroom instruction and the services that support their learning and growth. Every minute of the school day matters, and consistent, on-time attendance helps ensure that students receive the full educational experience they deserve."

Being here on time means being here for the whole experience. Let's make every morning count!

Getting out the door in the morning can be chaotic. Here are a few proven tips from Attendance Works to help mornings run smoothly:

• [ ] Night Before Setup: Lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and prepare lunchboxes before going to bed.

• [ ] Consistent Bedtimes: Establish a regular, screen-free evening routine to ensure your child gets 9–11 hours of rest.

• [ ] Set a Backup Plan: Identify a trusted neighbor, family member, or fellow school parent who can step in if your car breaks down or an emergency arises.

• [ ] Plan Appointments Around School: Whenever possible, schedule doctor and dental visits during school breaks or late afternoons.

We know that life happens—illness, transportation issues, and family obligations can make regular attendance tough. We are here to partner with you, not to judge!

If your family is experiencing challenges getting your child to school consistently or on time, please reach out to our front office or Nicole Castro, Family and Community Engagement Specialist.

• CREC Discovery Academy Main Office: (860) 296-2090
• Website & Family Resources: da.crecschools.org
• Attendance Strategies & Tips: Explore more free family guides at AttendanceWorks.org

Need Support with Housing?

If your family is experiencing homelessness, staying temporarily with friends or relatives (also known as being doubled up), or facing housing instability, please reach out to Mrs. Castro. Please know that you will not get in trouble, be judged, or be referred to another agency simply for sharing your situation. Our goal is to support you, not create additional stress. We are here to help connect families with resources and support to ensure every child has access to their education and the stability they deserve.

In Connecticut, through the McKinney-Vento Act, eligible students experiencing homelessness or temporary housing situations have important educational rights and protections, and our school is committed to helping families navigate these supports with dignity, compassion, and care.

Thank you for your partnership in making every day count for our Discovery Academy scholars!