Good Attendance = Student Success

by Andrea Nessel, Assistant Principal of Marshall High School

It should be a logical connection to make: if you are in school on a regular basis, you have a better chance at succeeding in your classes. Many students, however, don't make that connection and think, "Oh, I can make up the work on another day." What some don't realize is that the written school work is only one part of the total curriculum. Included in the total curriculum is teacher/student interaction, student/student interaction, classroom discussions, group and collaborative work, lecture, and the opportunity for students to ask questions and gain clarity from the instructor. When a student misses out on these important pieces of their education, they are more likely to fall behind and experience failure.

What can you do, as parents, to help students understand that importance of being to school on time, every day, all day? The following suggestions were inspired by information you can find on the Calhoun County Intermediate School District's Website at www.calhounisd.org.

1. Sit down with your child at the beginning of each year and create educational goals. Have an honest discussion about what your child would like to accomplish and what you would like to see them accomplish. Put into writing 2 -3 goals they feel are attainable. Work together on strategies to achieve those goals. Schedule several meetings with your child throughout the school year to revisit their progress towards their goals. (Ends of marking periods are good moments for these meetings)

2. Help your child to develop habits that will support them in getting to school and class on time each day. When your child is late to school or class, allow them to suffer the consequences they will face at home and at school for breaking your expectations and the expectations of the school. Use that as an opportunity to discuss the importance of responsibility.

3. Get involved with the PCO, school handbook committee, or attend Board meetings to learn more about attendance laws and policies and to help create policies that will help students stay in school.

4. Contact and meet with your child's counselor and teachers on a regular basis to understand the expectations of the school and to gain insight into why there may be some attendance problems.

Students who have parents who are actively involved in their education and continue to show support for the school are students who are more likely to be successful. Should you have any questions regarding attendance or the Compulsory School Attendance Act, please contact your child's school.

For more information on this topic, contact the Superintendent's Office at 781-1250, extension 1105.

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