Dear Parent/Guardian:

Our goal this year (and every year) is to ensure that every student attends school regularly. We recognize our role in educating your child and supporting his/her growth—academically, socially, and personally. We take this role very seriously; however, we can only do this when your child is present at school—consistently on time and remaining at school for the full school day, from 8:05 a.m.-2:20 p.m.

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 ensuring students get to school safely daily and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and life.  We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But, we also know that when students miss too much school— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically.  

On any day that your child must be absent, please call the school at (401) 727-7740 to let us know. You may call any time before school starts and up to 9:00 a.m. the day of the absence. If your child is absent and we do not hear from you, RI state law requires that we contact you at home and/or at work. We consider this an important safety measure. Please understand that this phone call does not automatically constitute an excused absence; further documentation will be required to make that determination. When your child returns to school following an absence, you are asked to please send in a note from a licensed medical professional explaining the reason for the absence—this will be the only sufficient documentation for an excused absence.

Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year. Research shows:   

• Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. 

• By 6th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school. 

• By 9th grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th-grade test scores. 

Absences can add up quickly.  A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month!!

We don’t want your child to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time.  Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:

•  Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick

• Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.

• Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.

• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up.  Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.

Let us know how we can best support you and your children so they can attend school on time daily.   We want your child to be successful in school!  If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 401-727-7740