Make Attendance a Priority. Missouri requires students to attend school 90% of the school year. Students cannot learn if they are not in attendance. Levels of chronic absenteeism have been found to accurately predict whether students graduate from high school. The middle school years are essential to keep students on track for high school and post-secondary success.
Prepare for Change. Students are no longer in elementary. This is an inevitable and natural part of adolescent development. They will test boundaries and sometimes do things you never thought they would do. Sometimes they act one way around parents and another around their friends. They all have the ability to make bad choices. We just need to be there to help them recover and experience the natural consequences.
Get Involved. Middle school is a transitional time for adolescents, which can prove exciting and scary for students and parents. Getting involved in a club or athletic activity is a great way to make friends and discover previously unknown talents. Everyone learns by doing and the middle years are all about jumping in, trying new things, and collaborating with others. Together we are better, so move beyond your comfort zone and get involved with school activities!
How Attendance Supports Learning