All about attendance! Did you know attendance is a better prediction of graduation than test scores? Missing school drastically affects academic success. This post will cover the importance of attendance and resources that help increase attendance. This week the guidance staff met with our Attendance/Truancy Resource Teacher, Ms. Nelida Lopez-Martinez. She gave us many amazing resources regarding attendance.
District Policy
The district policy on attendance is:
“A student who is absent more than nine (9) days within a semester or more than four (4) days within a 9-week period for schools on a block schedule will not receive a passing grade for the semester. A student is considered to be present at school if away from school on a school day and engaged in an educational activity that constitutes a school approved instructional program or activity….
All students must be in attendance a minimum of four (4) hours of instructional time to be considered present each day.
Absences not counted in the 9 days/4 days attendance policy are as follows:
1. Court Dates
2. Religious holidays
3. Illness with medical documentation and/or
4. Chronic and extended illness”
Students who miss more than 9 days can “FA” =Fail due to Attendance. For more information on the attendance policy, visit the district webpage at: https://fl02201431.schoolwires.net/Page/4930
Resources
See this flyer from Attendance Works with information about the importance of attendance, and tips on how to get your student to school. Please communicate with your School Counselors if there is an attendance issue occurring. We are happy to help in anyway, and can provide additional support. Mrs. Allison Martinez is our school Attendance Clerk. You can contact her with any questions about attendance at: Martinez.Allison@Brevardschools.org
Another helpful resource is Parent Toolkit. This website covers not just attendance, but many topics with children and adolescents. “Parent Toolkit provides parents with a comprehensive guide to helping their children succeed in school and life, whether they’re just starting out in pre-school or preparing their college applications. It is produced by NBC News Learn and supported by Pearson.” Check it out at: https://www.parenttoolkit.com/
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