Dear Parent/Guardian:
Our goal this year is to ensure that every student attends school regularly.
We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. However, we also know that when students miss too much school — regardless of the reason — it can cause them to fall behind academically. 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 early 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.
Absences can add up quickly. A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month!
Going to school regularly matters! Click here for some frequently asked questions and answers.
Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:
- Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpack the night before.
- Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are sick.
- Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
- Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.
If your child will be absent for whatever reason, please fill out the Murch Absence Form found below. You can also find the link on the Murch website (www.murchschool.org):
As a reminder, an absence is only excused for the following reasons: Illness (a doctor’s note is needed after 5 consecutive days), medical or dental appointments, death in one’s immediate family, court activity, religious holidays or events, school visits (up to one day) or visiting a parent prior to military deployment.
Here is the DCPS Policy in full.
Let us know how we can best support you and your children so that they can show up for school on time every day. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your child’s school at Murch ES, (202) 282-0130 or email murchabsence4810@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Attendance Team