Regular attendance at school is important for success and learning. Poor attendance often leads to poors grades and often impacts students chances of graduating on time.
How will attendance impact me?
Students who are chronically absent miss important instructional time and are often behind academically compared ot their peers who attend regularly. It makes it harder to keep up on school work and often chronically absent students do not perform as well on quizzes and tests because of missed instructional time. The state of NJ only allows 18 absences in one calendar school year. After 18 absences students will lose credit in their classes. This means that even if you are passing the class you will not receive credit for the class due to missing too much of the course. Per the state medical absences are not excused. The only excused absences are Take Your Child to Work Day, Driver's License, and 3 College Visits.
What about tardies?
Being late, leaving early, and cuts can impact your credit in classes as well. You can be put on no credit status for any period you have more that 4 cuts.
Late Policy Graphic.pngWays to Improve Attendance
Improve Sleep Hygiene: Go to bed earlier and wake up later. Make sure you have an alarm set with enough time to get ready without rushing. Power down electronics at least an hour before bed. Keep your phone on Do Not Disturb at night while you are sleeping.
Create a Routine: Have a set time you work on homework so that you aren't staying up late to finish assignments. Pack your bag and lunch the night before. Set out your clothes the night before. A little prep in the evening will make for a less chaotic morning.
Ask for Help: Is there something or someone at school that is impacting your desire to attend. Reach out to your counselor or administrator to discuss your concerns. There are many ways that we can address student concerns to alleviate any problems or issues that are impacting attendance.
Get Involved: Studies show that having activities at school that you enjoy can improve motivation to attend school. Join a sport or club that you are passionate about. You can meet new people and also build an important social support system.
Set Goals: What is it that you want to do when you graduate? A high school diploma is an important step in many career goals whether it's attending college, going into the military, going to trade school, or going into the work force. Have a set plan will allow you clearly see the importance of your high school diploma in reaching your next goal.
Check in With Yourself: Sometimes a students mental health can impact attendance. Is anxiety or depression impacting your ability to get to school. If so it's important to seek treatment. See your counselor who can link you with services that can help support mental health recovery.