Why it is Important Not to pull Your Child Out of School

How many parents have told their child that, for now, going to school IS their job?

How many parents have pulled their child out of school for a day or two to go on a trip?

Are summer vacations still being planned in August knowing that the child will miss several critical days of instruction?

Is this a mixed message to the child? YES!

Pulling a child out of school to start a vacation early or for some other fun activity sends the message to the child that the activity is more of a priority than their job, going to school.

But it is only one or two days a year (or a week in August), right?

One missed day of school can mean two days of falling behind for your child. Missing school makes it more difficult for a child to learn to stay on track with assignments. Every day in school is another chance for a child to learn something new. Most children need to repeat something new at least seven times before they learn it properly. And more importantly long-term is the fact that the subtle message-school isn’t that important- is being repeated to your child.

Not only does the child lose but the district and therefore other children lose, too. Last year the Oakley Union Elementary School lost over $330,000 because of these types of absences. Without this loss we could have saved 5.5 teaching positions this year, thereby lowering class sizes and providing other benefits to our students. In other words you have more control over our revenue than we do!

Regular school attendance is important to getting the most out of school. Success in school now leads to success in life later.

Make every day count—keep your child learning in school.

What You Can Do to Model the Importance of Prompt Daily Attendance

* Help them understand why it is important to go to school each day and attend every class

* Help them get to school on time

* Set good examples & habits and enforce rules

* Get to know your child’s teacher and school and communicate with them regularly

* Schedule family commitments or vacations when school is out

* Contact the school if your child will be absent