Bear Bulletin
October 23, 2026
Every Day Counts: Why Attendance Matters in Elementary School
When your child is in elementary school, it’s easy to think a missed day here and there won’t matter. The early years are about learning letters, numbers, and how to be part of a classroom, so what’s the harm in a long weekend or a sleepy Monday at home? The truth is that those early absences add up quickly, and the habits we build now shape the years ahead.
Small Absences Add Up
Missing just two days a month adds up to about 18 days over a school year, which is roughly 10% of instruction. Educators call this chronic absenteeism, and it includes excused absences like illness and appointments, not just skipped days. Even occasional absences can leave gaps in learning.
Why It Matters So Much in the Early Grades
- Foundational skills are built day by day. Reading, number sense, and writing grow step by step. Missing a lesson on letter sounds or place value can make the next lesson harder.
- Reading by third grade is a key milestone. Students who are absent often in the early grades are more likely to struggle with reading, and that can affect their confidence and success in later years.
- Friendships and routines matter. Regular attendance helps children feel connected, build friendships, and feel comfortable in their classroom community.
- Habits start young. Children who learn that school is a priority in kindergarten and first grade carry that mindset into middle school, high school, and beyond.
How Families Can Help
- Set a routine. Consistent bedtimes, packed backpacks the night before, and a predictable morning routine make school days smoother.
- Schedule appointments and trips outside school hours whenever possible. Afternoon appointments, school breaks, and holidays are great options.
- Keep kids home when they’re truly sick, but remember that mild worries or tiredness don’t always mean a child needs to stay home. If you’re unsure, give us a call.
- Talk positively about school. Children pick up on our attitudes, and when school is something we value, they will too.
- Reach out early. If your child is anxious about school, struggling with a friend, or facing a challenge at home, let us know. We would much rather help solve the problem together than have it keep your child out of the classroom.
We’re Here to Help
If something is making it hard for your child to get to school, such as transportation, health concerns, or family circumstances, please contact Rachel Miller at 936-276-4700 or at rachel.miller@misd.org. Our staff is happy to connect you with support and resources.
Thank you for partnering with us. When children are here, they learn, grow, and thrive, and we’re so glad to have yours with us every day.
Student of the Week
How to Help Improve Math Fluency at Home
Mark Your Calendar
Week of 10/26
Monday, 10/26
- Red Ribbon Week - Wear RED!
Tuesday, 10/27
- Red Ribbon Week - Match with a Friend or Wear a Spirit Shirt!
Wednesday, 10/28
- Red Ribbon Week - Mix it Up - Mismatch Day!
Thursday, 10/29
- Red Ribbon Week - Wear a Team Jersey or Purple & Gold!
Friday, 10/30
- Red Ribbon Week - Dress as a Storybook Character!
- Book Character Parade 8:45
Upcoming Events
November
- Week of 11/2 - School Psychology Week (Thank You, Mrs. Gorka!)
- 3 - Father of Texas Day
- 7 - Mrs. Haynie's Birthday
- 9-20 Boosterthon Fundraiser
- 10 - Veterans' Day Choir Program 5:30-6:00
- 20 - Color Craze During Specials
- 20 - Substitute Appreciation Day
- 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break
Red Ribbon Week
Grade Level and Department Newsletters - October
As part of our efforts to increase parent partnership, each month, every grade level will have a newsletter to share what our students are learning in class and how you can help at home. You should receive a paper copy in your child's Tuesday folders the first Tuesday each month, a digital copy via Class Dojo, and find it in the campus newsletter at the beginning of each month.
Anticipated Events at a Glance
Staff Favorites
Do you want to thank a staff member for a job well done? Send in a district staff shout out or check out the staff favorites link below.
Did You Know?
School Hours
- Doors open at 7:50, and students can go to breakfast in the cafeteria or to their classrooms.
- The tardy bell rings at 8:15. This is when students should be seated and ready to learn with their backpacks already put away.
- The day ends at 3:40.
Deliveries for Students
- If you have something, such as a forgotten lunch kit, water bottle, or birthday cupcakes, that needs to be delivered to your child or his/her classroom, please make sure it is dropped off at the front office by 10:00 a.m. Staff are unable to leave the front office to make deliveries after this time.
Changes in Transportation
- Changes in transportation need to be made prior to 2:00 in order to allow time for the messages to be communicated with the appropriate staff member. To request a change of transportation, either:
- Send a note with your child,
- Email LincolnElementaryTransit@misd.org with the note and a copy of your driver's license, or
- Come to the school with a copy of your driver's license.
- Please double check the spelling of the transportation change email address when you send in a change.**
When you email the transportation address, you should receive a confirmation reply.
