Attendance Matters
Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.
School success goes hand-in-hand with good attendance. We want to help your student succeed in school by building the habit of good attendance.
On this page you will find information about chronic absences, how it affects your student’s academic trajectory and what you can do to help your student be successful.
The CHPS Updates and communication from your student's school will provide weekly updates, visuals and other resources to ensure your student’s success in school.
Attendance Pilot Program
Columbia Heights Public Schools was selected with twelve other school districts to participate in a pilot program to focus on student attendance at school. Over the coming year there will be a variety of communications emphasizing the importance of attending school every day and on time. We are calling this initiative “Attend Today and Achieve Great Heights!” When students come to school late they often miss breakfast and important curriculum such as morning meetings and literacy instruction at the elementary schools. When students miss school, they not only miss the instruction of all the subjects taught that day but they also miss the social, emotional, and physical development that is supported by our teachers and staff. Our teachers give such care and intentionality in their lesson planning – please help make sure your student can fully benefit from our outstanding teachers and caring school community!
Resources
Attendance in the Early Grades Infographic
View quick stats and information about the importance of good attendance (who is affected, why it matters and what you can do).
Build the Habit of Good Attendance Early (Ver en español)
Learn simple habits to add to your family's daily routine to promote good attendance.
Keep Your Child On Track in Middle and High School (Ver en español
As your student continues their education, learn how to continue their focus on good attendance.
When is Sick Too Sick? (Ver en español)
Keep a guide that tells you which symptoms are okay for the classroom and which ones are okay to keep your student home.
Punctuality Scorecard
Put up a scorecard in your house to track your student's good attendance habits to learn where to improve, celebrate good habits and track attendance progress.