As we wrap up the 1st Semester, I have two important things to share.
Report Cards! Today, you'll find your child's report card in their backpack. Make sure to take time to review the report card and talk about it with your child. Simply seeing that you notice, look, and care makes a difference in how important kids think their effort and work at school is. If you have questions about what different comments or grades mean, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher. We'd be more than happy to discuss your child's learning with you.
Attendance: The last few years have been hard for attendance. When Covid was at its peak, students were required to quarantine for long periods of time. This year, as life has returned to normal, we've had various viruses circulating, and kids have been more sick than usual. And, I think, with travel restrictions lifting, people have been eager to take trips. It's often cheaper to travel during the school year. AND...the State of Wisconsin still requires student attendance. Students are permitted up to 10 days of excused absences a year without a medical excuse.
And, I think, more important than the law is how missing school impacts your child. Learning builds from day to day. When students miss, they have learning to make up and catch up on. It can be overwhelming for students when they miss learning that they need to do what the class is currently doing when they return. (This can be hard for teachers to manage, too!). Sometimes, this is bound to happen. But we want to minimize it.
What can you do?
- If your child goes to the doctor or dentist, get a note to turn in so that it is medically excused. (These do not count towards the 10-day allotment). Also, remember that a child can miss part of a day and come back. I try to schedule my children's appointments as close to the beginning or end of the day as possible to minimize the amount of school they miss.
- Avoid planning vacations during school.
- If your child has been fever-free and/or vomit-free for 24 hours and doesn't need long naps during the school day, send them to school.
- If you drive your child to school, aim to have them here at 8:30. 8:45 is when learning starts.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
