Be Here BA – Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow
Attendance is one of the most important factors in determining if a student will do well in school, graduate and be prepared for success beyond high school. At Broken Arrow Public Schools, we make school attendance a priority because when a student is learning, the possibilities are endless.
Did you know . . . ?
- Missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason can translate into third graders unable to master reading, sixth graders failing subjects and ninth graders dropping out of high school.
- Absenteeism is a problem as early as Pre-K and kindergarten. Building the habit of attendance in the early grades can influence a student’s chances of graduating high school.
- 90 percent of success is just showing up. Every day that a student is absent is a lost opportunity for learning.
- Missing just two days a month constitutes a 10 percent absence rate, which means these students are academically at risk.
- Being in school ensures all children have the opportunity to learn, flourish and recognize their dreams.
- One of the greatest barriers to success is not attending school. The best way to help kids get a good start in life is getting them started on attending school every day.
- Employees without a diploma make an average of 28 percent less than high school graduates.
When do absences become a problem?
- Chronic Absence – 18 or more days
- Warning Signs – 10 to 17 days
- Satisfactory – 9 or fewer
These numbers assume a 180-day school year.
How can you help?
Parents with students in grades Pre-K through 5
- Set a regular bed time and morning routine.
- Introduce your child to teachers and classmates before school starts to help the transition.
- Don’t let your child stay home unless he/she is truly sick.
- If your child seems anxious about school, talk to teachers, school counselors or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Rely on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.
- Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Parents with students in grades 6-12
- Attend back-to-school nights and parent-teacher conferences so your child knows you support their academic efforts.
- Keep your teen on a consistent daily schedule to help avoid tiredness and tardiness.
- Don’t let your child stay home unless he/she is truly sick.
- Teens may have many reasons for not wanting to go to school. Talk with your teen, an administrator or school counselor to find out more about what's causing any anxiety.
- Encourage your student to get involved with extracurricular activities. Student engagement is a catalyst for academic success.
- Instill organizational and time management skills.
- Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
For more information, visit www.attendanceworks.org or www.impacttulsa.org.