Dear Parent/Guardian,

I’m certain that you realize the importance of regular school attendance. Whenever your child misses just one day of school, she/he loses valuable instructional time. While your child is able to make up missed assignments, she/he is not part of class discussions, nor does she/he receive instruction from the teacher. Some absences, such as illness or family emergencies, cannot be avoided. In these cases, it is very important that the parent/guardian notify the office ON THE DAY YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT. If you are unable to do this, your child must bring a note into the office on the day they return.

Tardies are another part of attendance that concerns us, as I’m sure it concerns you. When a student is late to school, or class, she/he misses valuable instructional time. When a student enters a class late, she/he disrupts the instruction that is taking place, and takes time from the teacher who is teaching other students. In addition, being late to school and classes develops habits of tardiness that will negatively impact your child later in school, and on their job. If your child is going to be late to school due to a doctor/dentist appointment, or due to unforeseen circumstances in the morning, the parent/guardian must call the school, or the student must bring a note to the office upon entering school.

All absences or tardies must be excused by the parent/guardian within 72 hours, or they will be counted as unexcused.

Students who are habitually tardy or absent will be subject to the progressive disciple which may include detention, and/or Saturday School. They will also be referred to a Student Study Team who will strategize with their parents to improve attendance. If these measures are unsuccessful, the student will be referred to the Student Attendance Review Board.

Thank you for working with us to make sure that your child receives the best education possible by attending school regularly. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Dr. Greg Miller
Principal

Dear Parents,

One of our goals this year is to ensure that every child attends school regularly and on time.  Showing up for school has a huge impace on a student's academic success starting in kindergarten.  Parents and families are absolutely integral to their children's success in school and in life.  This does not stop at the end of elementary school, burt continues through middle school and into high school.  Here at Muir, we understand that some absences are unavoidable.  We also know that sometimes a student will arrive late to school.  These instances are unavoidable and can be due to health problems and other circumstances.  However, when a student musses or is tardy to school, regardless of the reason, it can cause them to fall behind academically.  Your child is less likely to succeed if he is chronically absent or tardy.  Absences can add up.  A child is chronically absent if she misses just two days a month.  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 warning sign for students at-risk of dropping out of school.
• By 9th grade good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores.

We don't want your child to fall behind in school or get discouraged about learning.  This can be achieved by ensuring that your child attends school regularly and on-time.  Here are a few practical tips to support regular attendance and reinforce arriving to school on-time:

• Make sure children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks and lunches the night before school.
• Limit screen time before bed as this can impede restful sleep making it more difficult for children to wake refreshed.
• Ensure you child attends school every single day, unless he is truly sick.  If you are not sure if your sutdent is truly sick, see a doctor or visit the health office at Muir.
• Avoid scheduling vacations and doctor's apointents when school is in session.
• Talk to Mr. Chanta, Intervention Specialist, or a school counselor, for advice if your child is anxious or nervous about attending school.
• Develop a backup plan for getting to school if something comes up.  Call on a neighbor, family member, or another parent to assist in taking your child to school.

Please let us know how we can best supporT you and your children so they can be at school and on time each and every day. Your child's success depends on regular attendance and we are here to assist you!

Sincerely

Dr. Greg Miller
Principal
John Muir Middle School

BURBANK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT