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We understand that life events occur and that the past two years have posed significant challenges for you and your children. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to recover from recent uncertainties – to learn, connect to peers and teachers and benefit from classroom instruction. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) holds school districts across the state accountable for tracking attendance data and working closely with families and students to ensure acceptable engagement and attendance in learning whether virtual or in-person. DESE sets the state attendance standard at 90%. When that threshold is not met, districts face possible reductions in state funding.Why does attendance matter? If children don’t show up for school regularly, they miss out on fundamental reading and math skills and the chance to build a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers.
Recent data shows that overall attendance figures for MRH are not where we’d like them to be. Many student absences are excused and unavoidable, but they still add up to lost time in the classroom. We are asking our families to help make school attendance a priority. You can do this by:
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Speaking with your learners about the importance of showing up every day
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Helping them to maintain daily routines such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s rest
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Doing your best to keep your child healthy
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Trying to schedule medical and dental appointments outside school hours
MRH Board Policy states that “holding students and their parents/guardians responsible for attendance is part of the District’s larger mission to train students to be productive citizens and employees.” That’s why MRH offers academic, social-emotional and technical support for all our students. If there is anything that a member of our team can do to support you and your child, please let us know. We would be happy to partner with you for your child’s overall success.
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