FIDALGO’S NEW MOTTO "RISE"
R-Respect self and others
I-Improve through effort
S-Show responsibility
E-Express Kindness

I would like to spotlight the importance of attendance as a way for our students to demonstrate “showing responsibility.” When our students arrive each day and on time they are showing responsibility for their education and respecting the education of the other students in their class. Whole classrooms are affected when a teacher has to stop and catch up students who are tardy or who have been absent. It is our goal to have “Every Student Every Day” in attendance at Fidalgo. Punctuality and attendance are also critical for success in students’ future careers.

We understand some absences are unavoidable due to health reasons or personal circumstances. But we also know that when students miss too much school, regardless of the reason, they are less likely to succeed. 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.
• By freshman year attendance can predict graduation rates better than 8th grade test scores.

(www.attendanceworks.org)

If you would like any further information or tips about improving attendance, please feel free to contact me at cminer@asd103.org, (360) 503-1600.