ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Discussion Questions 1. What makes it hard for you as a parent to get your child or children to school every day? 2. What motivates you and helps you to get your child to school despite these challenges?
Let’s Hear It from Other Parents https://vimeo.com/101425388 Used with permission of Attendance Works
True or False? Excused absences interfere with learning. Even once-in-a-while absences can be a problem. When students improve their attendance rates, they improve chances for graduating.
FCPS and VDOE Attendance Policy ▪ All children between the ages of 5 and 18 must be enrolled in school and attend on a daily basis ▪ Students with 5 unexcused absences – Parent notification and attendance plan ▪ Students with 6 unexcused absences – Attendance conference ▪ Students with 7 unexcused absences – Attendance Officer referral, possible court action ▪ VDOE is also collecting data on chronic absenteeism
An Every Day Investment Getting to school on-time, everyday helps students... ...become goal-directed and resilient individuals ...become ethical and global citizens A child’s job while they’re young is being a student!
Explore Why Students Are Absent Myths Barriers Aversion Disengagement
How to Help Ensure Good Attendance Recommended Hours of Sleep by Age Preschoolers (3-5) 10-13 hours School-aged (6-13) 9-12 hours Teenagers (14-17) 8-10 hours Young Adults (18-25) 7-9 hours Strategies: • Establish a regular bed and wake-time routine. • Screens off an hour before bedtime. • Keep all electronic devices out of the bedroom after bedtime. • Avoid heavy snacks (especially caffeine) or exercising within a few hours of bedtime. • Naps that are too long or too close to bedtime can interfere with regular sleep.
How to Help Ensure Good Attendance • Maintain daily routines • Establish a support network of relatives, friends, or neighbors to take your child to school if you can’t or if your child misses the bus. • Reinforce good attendance, don’t forget to recognize improvements in attendance. • Stay on top of your child’s social contacts. • Avoid medical appointments and trips when school is in session.
Don’t Let Your Child Stay Home Unless She is Truly Sick
If You Think Your Child is Avoiding School • Rule out medical issues. • Explore why (fear of failure, anxiety about tests, being bullied, feeling lonely). • Contact the school for support to help create a plan for your child. • Since avoidance increases anxiety, it is important for your child to learn how to cope with the challenge. • Golden Rule : If home during the school day, your child should not be allowed to do anything that s/he would not be allowed to do at school. Maintain regular school schedule.
If Your Child is Absent • Call the school’s attendance line to report the absence. • Check in with teachers on missed instruction. • For extended absences, request Return to Learn meeting. Ask about homebound instruction when a medical condition prevents school attendance. • Reach out to school personnel for consultation and support when you have concerns regarding your child’s attendance.
How Can Our School Help? Name/Position Phone Number E-mail Address Attendance Hotline 703-904-4848 HerndonMiddle.Attendance@fc ps.edu Front Office 703-904-4800 School Counselor 7th Grade A-K Sara Broady 7th Grade L-Z Meghan Azzara 8th Grade A-L Danielle Mascoll 8th Grade M-Z Elyana Genovese School Social Worker Pat Humphrey 703-904-4903 pthumphrey@fcps.edu School Psychologist Kelley Wells 703-904-4835 kmwells@fcps.edu Public Health Nurse Nicole Morales 703-904-4991 nmorales@fcps.edu Parent Liaison TBD 703-904-4832 FCPS Attendance Website: https://www.fcps.edu/attendance
www.fcps.edu
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