Attendance Awareness Month

Attendance Awareness Month

ROE 9

September 4, 2019

Hello, I am Kim Nix.

I am the Truancy and GED ReStart Coordinator for the ROE’s Attendance Improvement Program. This is my 3rd year working with for the Regional Office of Education and each year I learn more about what it truly takes to help families understand the importance of attending school and how challenging it can be to capture and re-engage those students who are at-risk for dropping out. Last year, I was Nationally recognized and became certified as a National Dropout Prevention Specialist. My goal is to continue to become knowledgeable of family barriers and to partner with schools and families to increase school attendance, graduation rates and family involvement.

Remember,

REALISTIC expectations -Can help you BUILD successful “realistic” outcomes.

Together we can make a difference!

 

September, 2019 

Attendance Improvement Program

Attendance Awareness Month

 

Helpful Tips….

 

School/Building Administrators, Teachers and Support Staff:

  • Identify students and Break Barriers
  • Share information on the importance of school
  • Approach Attendance on a month-to month basis
  • Approach absenteeism out of concern- rather than compliance
  • Use incentives/rewards
  • Think Realistically
  • Be Encouraging
  • Find unique ways to communicate with parents/guardians (i.e., text/social media)
  • Meet families where they are and understand families are not on a one-size fits all.
  • Find and utilize resourceful tools (see attached document)
  • Teachers: Approach attendance awareness with the whole class not just the individual.

 

Parents & Guardians

  • Learn the importance of school
  • Get/Stay involved in your child(ren)s classroom/school
  • Set regular daily routines at home
  • Prepare for school the night before (clothing, book bag check etc.)
  • Be absent when sickness is contagious (consider and understand complaints about stomach and headaches, could be a sign of ANXIETY)
  • Create a backup/emergency plan for transportation issues
  • Schedule medical appointments early am or after school when possible.
  • Communicate with your child(ren) daily
  • Never be afraid to ask question
  • ADVOCATE for your child(ren)

 

Information Retrieved from: Resources: www.attendanceworks.org