Beech Tree News Network

Thursday, Sept. 24 has been designated as “High Attendance Day” for public schools across the Commonwealth. Elementary, middle and high schools may compete in small-school or large-school categories, and statewide awards will be based on each individual school’s performance, regardless of its district’s overall numbers. The school in each category with the highest percentage attendance for that Thursday will receive $500.

By attending class regularly, a child is more likely to keep up with the daily lessons and assignments and to reach academic benchmarks on time. For older students, being in school every day gives them a chance to learn more about college and other post-secondary opportunities, and to perform to their highest potential on important exams they need to build a strong academic record.

Research shows that a child’s attendance record is one of the strongest predictors of his academic success.

An example is in math, where content is learned sequentially to gain understanding. If a student is absent, he might have trouble fully understanding new math concepts. Some students can catch up, but others struggle and fall behind because they missed crucial steps – thus eroding their confidence and their attitude toward learning. In addition, children with irregular attendance might not develop the responsibility, self-discipline and effective work skills essential for success in school and in life.

School attendance is a family and a student responsibility. Parents and guardians can help by instilling the habit of going to school every day and by staying engaged in their child’s education from Day 1 all the way through graduation.

Note that students who accumulate unexcused absences can be petitioned to the court system to address truancy.