mural of cougar laying on a street below planets and clouds
Capri Elementary School

September is Attendance Awareness Month

Help your child succeed in school.

Did you know:

• Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.

• Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days) can make it harder to learn to read.

• Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks.

• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.

• Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.

What you can do:

• Set a regular bed time and morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots.

• Don’t let your child stay home unless she is truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.

• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make her feel comfortable and excited about learning.

• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent. • Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.