With the school year being nearly halfway over, the “new” has definitely worn off for many students.  Getting up early and homework have started to take their toll, and students may be looking for reasons to stay at home rather than attending school.  However, research shows that attending school on a regular basis is critical for student success, especially in this era of high-stakes testing.  We all know that students who attend school are more likely to succeed academically than those who frequently miss, but just how important is school attendance?

According to GreatSchools.org, a 2008 study showed that dropout rates and attendance rates were strongly correlated beginning as early as kindergarten.  In addition to the increased risk of dropping out, school funding is impacted by student attendance.  Higher absenteeism is not only an academic concern; it is a financial concern as well.  Lower attendance means fewer dollars to spend on educational needs.  In today’s weak economy, districts simply cannot afford to lose additional funding.

By working together, parents, community members, and school employees can improve student attendance.  A warm and inviting school environment that welcomes parental involvement is a great first step to improved attendance rate.  At Sunray Middle School, we encourage parents to get involved, and to contact us if they have any concerns.  Parents can also check the txConnect Parent Portal at https://gradebook.sunrayisd.net/txconnect/ to see if students are attending class regularly.  The parent portal also provides information on each student’s grades, and notes from their teachers.  Parental involvement is a key factor in student attendance, and we at Sunray Middle School appreciate your support.