The Problem

Attendance matters for success in school and in life.  Across the nation, federal data shows chronic absences have almost doubled since the COVID pandemic.  In Dickinson ISD, student attendance has not returned to the pre-COVID percentage of 95%.  Chronic absence, missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason – excused, unexcused and suspension, can lead to a student not receiving credit for a course or being retained in a grade, but most importantly, it presents lost time in the classroom and a lost opportunity to learn.    

• Attendance matters as early as kindergarten.  Studies show that children who miss too many days in kindergarten and first grade have trouble mastering reading.

• By grade 6, chronic absence is a proven warning sign that a student is at risk of dropping out.

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

Attendance also affects a school’s budget.  When students are absent from school, their campus’ average daily attendance rate drops, which can reduce the funding it receives from the State of Texas to support its programs.

Dickinson ISD policy, in alignment with state compulsory attendance laws, requires all students (pre-kindergarten to 12^th grade) to be in attendance for at least 90 percent of the time a class is in session to receive credit.  If a student is absent for whole or part of the day, it is required that parents submit a note with their signature to the front office within three day of the absence(s).  If not received within three days, the absence will be unexcused. 

While we aim for 100% attendance, the daily goal for attendance at each campus in Dickinson ISD is 95% or higher.  Campuses are closely monitoring daily attendance as well as chronic absences, and we want to work with our families to ensure students are in school each day.  A digital data tool is now available, and it provides a view of attendance at each school.  Data is updated regularly, and parents and educators can see the average daily attendance and attendance trends across the district. 

What Parents Can Do

• Make school attendance a priority.  Send your children to school every day, starting in pre-kindergarten/kindergarten, to teach your children that attendance counts.  Continue to monitor their attendance through high school.
• Don’t let your child miss school without a good reason.  Try to avoid dental and doctor appointments during the school day or vacations when school is in session.
• Create routines and stick to them.  Set a regular bed time and morning routine to get ready for school.  For older students, be sure they get enough sleep.
• Keep an eye on what’s happening with your children’s education.  Look for signs that they are bored, struggling with school work or having trouble with friends.  Seek out tutoring and talk with teachers.  Nurture interest in being in school by finding engaging activities and encouraging involvement in sports, fine arts, or clubs.
• Learn about the school’s policies.  What incentives do teachers offer for good attendance?  What counts as an excused or unexcused absence?  What are the penalties?
• Find your own ways to reward good attendance.  You know best what motivates your child.
• Be open and honest with school officials.  Make sure the school has your up-to-date contact information.  Work with the teachers, counselor, and principal on problems your children are experiencing.
• Seek medical help when absences pile up.  Anything from asthma to a bad bout of head lice can keep kids out of school.  Work with your doctor or school nurse.
• Turn to other families who can help you with dropping off or picking up children.
• Seek help when you have a problem.  If absences result from a family issue – a sudden illness, a lost job, foreclosure or a broken-down car – the school can connect you to community resources.