In today's fast-paced world, education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of individuals. Attending school regularly is a fundamental aspect of this educational journey. Every day missed represents a lost opportunity for learning, growth, and development. ACS's #MakeSchoolCount movement emphasizes the critical role of attendance in maximizing the educational experience.

Our attendance initiative – #MakeSchoolCount – is intended to emphasize the impact school attendance can have on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.

We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But, we also know that when students miss too much school— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically. Your student is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year. That's just two days per month!

Research shows:
 
•Students chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.
 
•By 6th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.
 
•By 9th grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores.

•Absences can add up quickly. A student is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month!!

Clearly going to school regularly matters!
 
We don’t want your student to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your student attends school every day and arrives on time. Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:

•Make sure your student keeps a regular bedtime and establishes a morning routine.
•Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
•Ensure your student goes to school every day unless he/she is truly sick.
•Avoid scheduling vacations or regular doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
•Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your student feels anxious about going to school.
•Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your student to school.

Source: AttendanceWorks