The Importance of Regular School Attendance
EVERY DAY MATTERS - Research supports the theory that students with good class attendance will score better on standardized tests, get higher grades and be less likely to drop out. Although some students may be able to demonstrate sufficient content knowledge, our district’s responsibility to educate our students and excel on standardized testing requires that we promote positive school attendance.
Students are expected to be in class and to make attendance a top priority. Only through attendance and class participation do students achieve the benefits of the education program. Participating in class discussion, developing an appreciation for the views and abilities of other students, and forming the habit of regular attendance are legitimate class objectives. Learning lost due to an absence can never be replaced. Regular attendance and being well prepared for class help students in school as well as preparing students for adulthood.
Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report the student absence in advance of the start of school, if possible, and in all cases by 8:30 A.M. of the day the absence occurs to avoid a call from the automated dialer.
Legal Obligation Regarding Attendance
The school believes the responsibility for attendance rests with the parents and the students. We encourage those responsible to make good sound educational decisions about school attendance, keeping in mind that attendance at school results in greater success. If that responsibility is not assumed by the student and parents, the school will enforce the state of Iowa mandatory attendance laws, and the excessive absence regulation.
Additional rules pertaining to excused absences may be found in the Student Handbooks that are provided to students and parents annually.
