Dear Parent/Guardian:

The Mukilteo School District is making a special effort to ensure that all students fully benefit from their education by attending school regularly. Our goal this year is to ensure that every student attends school regularly.

Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success, starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and are more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely, every day, and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.

We realize some absences are unavoidable, but we also know that when students miss school too much - regardless of the reason - it can cause them to fall behind academically. A child is less likely to succeed if they are chronically absent, which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year. Absences can add up quickly. A child is considered chronically absent if they miss just two days every month!!

Going to school regularly matters! What Can You Do to help?

• Routines: Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Prepare for school the night before, finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep. And develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up.
• Health: Don’t let your student stay home unless they are truly sick. Work with the school nurse regarding any absences due to illness so that we can get them back into school as soon as possible. And avoid appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
• Engage: Talk to your student about the importance of attendance. Talk to your students’ teachers if you notice sudden changes in behavior. These could be tied to something going on at school, anxiety about school and more. Encourage meaningful afterschool activities, including sports and clubs. Students who are positively engaged in school tend to have better grades, better attendance, and a better attitude toward school.
• Communication: Communicate information about the absences to your school by ParentSquare. Keep track of your student’s attendance. Log into Qmlativ to track attendance and grades.

Let us know how we can best support you and your child so that they will show up for school on time every day. We want your child to be successful in school! Please contact your child’s school if you have any questions or need more information.

Sincerely,

Mukilteo School District