School Attendance During the Winter Months Is Important

Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Winter weather, holiday plans, and sickness are often barriers to keeping children in school. As communities enter the holiday season, reinforcing the importance of school attendance becomes a top priority.

Missing a few days here and there, even if they are excused absences, leads to lost learning time which can put your child behind in school. Absences can result in disengagement and lower grades. This is true for early learners, students in primary grades, and high school students. According to the California Department of Education, during the 2022-23 school year, 223,792 students in Santa Clara County had one or more absences. Unexcused absences accounted for 35% of absences. The average number of days absent was 12.6.

Consistent attendance makes a difference in a student’s learning and well-being outcomes.

Life happens. Have a backup plan to ensure students can get to school. Creating a carpool plan or a “walking school bus” with neighbors or other parents is a great way to ensure your child gets to school on time. If your child cannot attend school due to significant challenges, ask the school for materials to keep learning at home. It is important to keep children engaged in learning if they cannot attend school in person. It may be helpful to identify who can support your child’s learning at home. Encourage your child to stay connected with classmates and teachers to find out what they missed.

During the winter months, contagious illnesses are everywhere. Do your best to keep your child healthy by dressing them warmly, encouraging good hygiene practices such as hand washing, and keeping them up-to-date on their immunizations. Certain symptoms such as fevers, are reasons to keep your child home. Please consult with your school regarding symptoms that require a child to stay home.

The winter holidays are recognized as a time to reconnect with family and friends far away. The cost of travel can often influence when a family leaves and returns, often interrupting a child’s education. Please ensure your child is in school every day, right up until break begins. Teachers will still be teaching and students can still be learning.

Teachers and classmates will be happy to see each other when they all return to school from break ready to learn.

For resources to support good attendance, visit www.attendanceworks.org