Attendance Matters, Including First Hour
Carter families,
We want to share an important insight from recent school data that highlights just how critical daily attendance is, particularly during first hour.
When we looked at grades compared to attendance, one trend stood out clearly:
Students with 10 or more absences in first hour are significantly more likely to have below-average grades than students who attend regularly.
For example, in 6th grade, only about 5% of students with fewer absences struggled academically in first hour. That number jumps to 25% for students who missed 10 or more days. Similar patterns appear in 7th and 8th grade.
In simple terms: missing school adds up, and it directly impacts learning.
We also know that first hour is where we see the most late arrivals. While an occasional late day happens, repeated tardies or missed mornings mean students are losing valuable instructional time, routines, and connections with their teachers. First hour often sets the tone for the entire day.
Here’s how families can help:
We truly appreciate and need your partnership. Attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success, and every day matters. TOur goal is to have our students stay on track academically and build strong habits that last far beyond middle school.
Just a reminder that Wednesday, February 11, 2026 is our supplemental count day. Please have your students arrive on time.
Thank you for supporting your child and our Carter community.
Go Cougars!
