Why Does Your Attendance Matter
WHY DOES YOUR ATTENDANCE MATTER?
You’re doing word problems in math class tomorrow. Sounds like the perfect day to suddenly come down with a cold, doesn’t it? Not so fast! Learning builds day by day. You can’t stay on top of your class work if you’re not there to listen and take notes. In subjects like math and science, where the lessons you learn this week will be the basis for next week’s lessons, it is crucial that you attend class every day! You might be able to think of a dozen things you’d rather be doing than sitting through class. But right now, your number one responsibility is learning!
Your teachers and your school have rules on the number of days you can be absent. That’s because they want you to attend class! Here’s why:
You’re likely to get better grades. You can’t learn if you aren’t in school. Research shows a clear link: students who come to class do better in school.
You’re likely to get a better job. The habits you set now – attending class everyday and coming to school on time – will carry over into the workplace.
You’re more likely to stay out of trouble. One study found that 78 percent of those who ended up in prison had a first arrest for school truancy.
You’ll be more likely to graduate. Missing too many classes is often the first step toward dropping out. Students who drop out of high school have a higher rate of unemployment.
It is tempting to skip school when you haven’t studied for a test or when you stayed up too late with friends the night before. But by staying home, you risk falling behind on class work. Consider why the following are NOT good reasons to stay home.
“Classes are boring.” Not every class can be your favorite. Try to find something about the subject that interests you.
“I don’t like my teachers.” It’s normal not to get along with everybody – but that’s just a part of life. Remember, your teacher is in charge and deserves your respect.
“I don’t feel safe at school.” If you have reason to believe you are not safe, talk to a teacher, your counselor, or other school officials.
“I feel stupid.” Do you often find you just don’t get it? Find a study buddy or a friend who can help you after school and/or attend after school tutoring sessions.
“My job is more important.” Your most important job right now is getting an education.
These are a list of things that seem like they may be good reasons for missing school but really they are not:
Make sure you schedule your Doctor and Dentist appointments after school.
If your family has scheduled a vacation during the school year, talk with your parents. Could it be rescheduled during a school break? (Family vacations are unexcused absences.)
Being unprepared for a class or test, if you didn’t study or complete your homework, it’s your responsibility to face the consequences. Talk to your teacher. Together, you may be able to think of a way to make up for it.
Our handbook discusses the reasons you can be absent and it be excused. So please review this section of the student handbook so you will know what to do when you are absent. At anytime if you have questions or need to visit about your absences please feel free to come to the high school office to talk to the principal, vice principal, or counselors.
Go and be great!
What a great day to be an INDIAN!!
R. Ketcher
SHS Principal
(The Parent Institute @2007)
