Student Support & Attendance

Dear Families,

Today marks the first day of the second semester across all Walpole Public Schools. Thanks to your efforts and the hard work of our schools, our attendance numbers are very encouraging. Currently, only 1.3% of Walpole Public School students are categorized as chronically absent (defined as 18 or more absences, regardless of the reason). This is a significant improvement compared to last school year’s Chronic Absenteeism Rate of 9.3%. With continued efforts, we are on track for even greater improvement by year-end.

With just 90 school days remaining this year, we encourage you to review your child’s attendance record in X2 Aspen. Absences can add up quickly, and reaching the 18-day mark is easier than it seems if you aren’t closely monitoring their total. Keep in mind that missing just two days a month can lead to 20 absences over the course of the year.

We sincerely appreciate everything you do to ensure your child’s regular attendance. Consistent attendance benefits your child academically, socially, and emotionally—and it’s a priority for us as well. If you have any questions about attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school or contact me directly using the information provided at the end of this newsletter.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Ed Connor

Some students may face challenges with consistent attendance. Their emotions can be difficult to express, and you might notice some signs without your child directly telling you that they are feeling anxious. Some of these signs can include:

• Stomach aches or headaches

• Trouble sleeping or feeling tired frequently

• Increased irritability or blaming others

• Stressful life events, such as a family illness, loss of a pet or loved one, or changes like divorce or separation

• Withdrawal from activities that they usually enjoy

• Difficulty with social situations or conflicts at school

Strategies to address them:

• Reach out to the school as soon as possible
• Work with school to create a plan of action
• Include any family therapist in the conversations
• Reassure your child that school is here to support them
• Keep lines of communication open
• If at home, include structure in their day (light chores, school work, limit screen time, etc.)

Healthychildren.org is a website that offers multiple articles dedicated to children's health. Here are 2 regarding anxiety and school avoidance that you may find helpful:

Help your child manage anxiety: tips for home & school

School Avoidance: tips for concerned parents

A student is considered Chronically Absent when they miss 10% of the school year. In Massachusetts, this means a student who misses 18 or more days, regardless of an excused or unexcused reason, is classified as chronically absent. Remember that all it takes is for a student to miss two days each month to be designated with this status.

January 23, 2025 - 1.3% of WPS students are at Chronically Absent levels (18+ abs)

December 13, 2024 - 0.7% of WPS students are at Chronically Absent levels (18+ abs)

November 1, 2024 - 0.3% of WPS students are at Chronically Absent levels (18+ abs)

Walpole Public Schools (WPS) have been addressing challenges related to attendance. Chronic Absenteeism has increased dramatically since 2020. Before the pandemic, students were attending school more consistently. Our goal is to decrease our numbers as much as possible.

Recent Chronic Absenteeism Rates in Walpole Public Schools

• 2019 - 7.1% of WPS students were Chronically Absent
• 2022 - 13.1% of WPS students were Chronically Absent
• 2024 - 9.3% of WPS students were Chronically Absent

We know that Walpole is not alone regarding the number of student absences from school. School absenteeism is an issue in Massachusetts and across the country. The district will continue to work with families in an effort to further reduce the number of absences in our schools.

School Attendance

Chapter 76, section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that all children between the ages of six and sixteen must attend school. It is the parents or guardians to ensure that their children attend school.

Parental Responsibility

Parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring that a child under their control attends school daily. It is a crime for a responsible parent or guardian not to cause such a child to attend school. If a child fails to attend school for seven day sessions or fourteen half day sessions within any six month period, school administrators may file a criminal complaint in court against the responsible parent/guardian.

Notification and Contact Information

Chapter 76, section 1A of the Massachusetts General Laws states that parents/guardians must be provided each year with the instructions for calling a designated phone number at a designated time to inform the school of the absence of a student and the reason for the absence. Those telephone numbers can be found in the school's Student-Parent Handbook. In addition, parents/guardians must provide the school with a home, work or other emergency telephone number so that they may be contacted during the school day so the school may call and inquire about said absence.

What is a CRA (Child Requiring Assistance) Application?

A “CRA” (Child Requiring Assistance) application may be filed in court by a school district if a school-aged child is “habitually truant". That means a child willfully fails to attend school for more than eight school days in a quarter, or who repeatedly fails to obey the lawful and reasonable regulations of his or her school. The Court’s authority pursuant to a CRA petition includes the power to place the child in the custody of the state agency known as the Department of Children and Families.

What is a 51A?

A 51A is a report of suspected child abuse or neglect that is filed with the Department of Children and Families. Under Chapter 119, section 51A of the Massachusetts General Laws, a report can be filed on behalf of a child under the age of eighteen for educational neglect if a child is not attending school on a regular basis. Parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring that a child under their control attends school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the email or telephone number listed below. Or, you can contact your child's school:

Edward Connor

Dean of Student Support and Attendance

Email: econnor@walpole.k12.ma.us

Phone: (508) 660-7257 ext. 5020