Why Your Child's Attendance Matters

As parents, we all want our children to succeed. Did you know that good school attendance is a key ingredient in that success? It's about more than just missing one day. When children miss school frequently, it can have a long-term impact on their education and their future.

Reasons for Absenteeism

There are many reasons why children miss school. Some might struggle with transportation, while others might face challenges like homelessness or poverty. It's important to understand the root causes of your child's absences to address them effectively.

Early Absences Can Predict Future Problems

Missing school early in the year can set a pattern for poor attendance throughout the year. Surprisingly, half the students who miss just a few days in September end up missing almost a month of school!

The Link Between Attendance and Learning

When children miss school, they miss out on valuable learning opportunities. Poor attendance can affect their ability to read well by the end of third grade and can even become a leading indicator of high school dropout by sixth grade.

Good Attendance Leads to Success

The good news is that improving attendance can significantly improve academic performance and increase the chances of graduating on time.

What Can Parents Do?

• Prioritize school attendance: Make sure your child understands the importance of going to school every day.
• Address barriers to attendance: If your child is struggling with transportation, health issues, or other challenges, work with the school to find solutions.
• Stay involved: Communicate regularly with your child's teachers and school to monitor their attendance and address any concerns promptly.
• Create a supportive home environment: Ensure your child has a quiet place to study, gets enough sleep, and has access to the resources they need to succeed.
• Establish routines: Create a consistent morning routine and bedtime to help your child get to school on time and well-rested.

By working together, we can help our children develop good attendance habits and set them up for success in school and beyond.

Attendance Requirements in the State of Iowa
The following information is important for all parents to know, as it reflects recent changes to the Iowa attendance laws.

• When a student is chronically absent, falling below 90% attendance, the school district MUST notify the county attorney as well as the parent/guardian.  A student who misses as few as two days per month for each month of the school year, falls into the category of chronic absenteeism.
• When a student falls below 85% attendance, a school engagement meeting will be held that includes the student, parent/guardian and a school official. At this meeting the team will identify barriers to attendance as well as interventions to improve attendance. After this meeting, weekly updates will be provided to parents/guardians to monitor the progress of the plan.
• When a student falls below 80% attendance, they are considered truant and will be referred to the county attorney’s office for the enforcement of Iowa’s truancy laws.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE CURRENT ATTENDANCE POLICY AT THE COUNCIL BLUFFS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS.

Resources for Families

We all want the same outcome, a successful student! Below are some resources for your family if your student is struggling with chronic absenteeism. You can also call your school office for help.

If you have any questions please contact your child's school or Rachel Horton, Attendance & Graduation Coordinator, at rhorton@cbcsd.org or by phone at 712-328-6423. 

School Calendars for Download
CB Schools 2024-25 Calendar

School Attendance: A Life Skill

We all teach our kids important life skills like brushing their teeth and looking both ways before crossing the street. But did you know that going to school every day is also a crucial life skill?

Good Attendance Starts Early

Getting your child to school consistently, even in preschool and kindergarten, builds a strong habit that will help them throughout their school years and beyond. When children learn early on that going to school is important, they are more likely to continue that pattern as they get older.

Early Absences and Reading Skills

Missing school frequently in the early years can make it harder for children to learn to read well by third grade. Reading is a fundamental skill that affects all areas of learning, so it's crucial for children to be in school consistently during these formative years.

Attendance and High School Graduation

Studies have shown that missing a lot of school, even in just one year of middle or high school, can significantly increase the chances of a student dropping out. Regular attendance helps students stay engaged in their learning and on track to graduate.

The Long-Term Impact of Attendance

Good attendance habits don't just affect school performance. Children who attend school regularly are more likely to have successful futures, with less risk of poverty, health problems, or involvement in the criminal justice system.

ATTEND TODAY. ACHIEVE MORE TOMORROW!

Teachers and staff are focused on providing a high quality education for our students with layers of supports to enrich and intervene when students can benefit.

It is crucial for parents and guardians to actively ensure regular attendance for the benefit of their child’s academic success and to meet their future college and career goals.

Parents are invited to monitor your child's daily attendance in PowerSchool.  There, you can see any absences with the following codes:

All of these absences, even those marked with the EXC for excused, are considered missed days of school. A missed day of school is a missed day of learning.