What is good attendance?

Going to school on time, every day, is important. Consistent attendance will help children do well in school, college, and work. Good attendance is missing not more than 1 day of school a month, whether excused or unexcused.

Why is good attendance important?

When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects. Regular attendance ensures that:

• Preschoolers build skills and develop good habits for showing up on time
• Elementary students read well by the end of 3rd grade
• Middle & high schoolers stay on track for graduation

How many absences are too many?

Too many absences—excused or unexcused—can keep students from succeeding in school and in life.  Students who miss more than 1 school day a month become at risk.  For example:

• Half the students who miss 2 to 4 days in September, go on to miss nearly one month of school;
• Chronically absent (2 days a month) students are more likely to drop out of high school;
• Chronically absent kindergartners score 20 percent lower in reading and math in later grades;
• Student absences in 8th grade are 8 times more predictive of 9th grade course failure than test scores;
• Chronic absenteeism is the strongest 6th grade predictor of not graduating from high school.

That’s why if your student has two unexcused absences in one month, state law (RCW 28A.225.020) requires that schools schedule a family conference with the student to identify barriers and supports available to ensure regular attendance.

How will NTPS promote good attendance?

We know that there are a wide variety of reasons that students are absent from school, from health concerns to transportation challenges. There are many people in NTPS to help your student face challenges in getting to school regularly or on time. We promise to track attendance daily, to notice when your student is missing from class, to communicate with you to understand why they were absent, and to help you or your student overcome barriers to daily school attendance.

How can NTPS families support good attendance?

Families play a key role in making sure students get to school every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and on the job.  Schools can’t do it alone—we are stronger together!

• Please talk to your child about the importance of showing up to school every day, make it the expectation.
• Don’t’ let your child stay home unless truly sick. Complaints of headaches or stomach aches may be signs of anxiety. In this case, talk to your child’s teacher or counselor.
• Use early release days or teacher in-service days to schedule dental and medical appointments.
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Prepare for school the night before, finishing homework and getting a good night's sleep.
  
  

Need more information about attendance?

• Read the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook
• See what the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has to say
• A national organization called Attendance Works
• Chapter 28A.225 RCW - COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND ADMISSION
• RCW 28A.225.020
• RCW 28A.225.010