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If your child is absent, please send your parent note or the child’s doctor note to the appropriate campus attendance clerk within 3 days of the absence.

Colbert Elementary – Taelor Barker  col.office@daytonisd.net

Stephen F. Austin Elementary – Renee Simons  sfa.office@daytonisd.net

Dr. E.R. Richer Elementary – Lisa DeHart  err.office@daytonisd.net

Kimmie M. Brown Elementary – Bridget West  kmb.office@daytonisd.net

Woodrow Wilson Junior High – Charla Bernard  wjh.office@daytonisd.net

Dayton High School – Celia Hernandez  dhs.office@daytonisd.net

What absences may be excused?

Absences may be classified as “excused” or “unexcused.”  Absences that are documented and verified for the following reasons may be classified as excused:

  • Personal illness (with a doctor’s or parent note)
  • Serious illness or death in the immediate family
  • Medical or dental appointments (with a doctor’s note)
  • Extenuating circumstances approved by the Principal

 


How can I send an absence note to the school?

There a couple of different ways you are able to send an absence note to your child’s school.  You may send a note with your child to be given to the Attendance Clerk.  Or you may send a note via email to the Attendance Clerk.  Click back on the Campus Attendance Clerks and Emails tab to find your child’s Attendance Clerk.

 


How can I see my child’s absences?

You can access your child’s attendance by logging into your Family Access account.  Once logged in, review their Progress Reports and Report Cards in the Portfolio.  If you notice discrepancies, reach out to the campus Attendance Clerk immediately.

 


How is a parent to be notified about a student’s absences?

Every effort should be made by the campus to contact a parent.  Multiple avenues are utilized.  Calling services are used at each campus, as well as email.

 


What are the consequences for too many unexcused absences?

Parents will be notified by email at 3, 6, and 8 unexcused absences.

After 10 or more unexcused absences, the parent could potentially receive a Court summons and the parent may also face fines for contributing to their child’s non-attendance.

  • Read the school's guidelines and attendance policies
  • Take an active role in your child's education and stay informed on their academic progress by attending back to school meetings, orientations and especially parent-teacher conferences
  • Check your child's grades and attendance regularly
  • Plan ahead to limit your child's absences and tardies
  • Limit the amount of time your child misses school by making appointments after school
  • Make school attendance a priority by getting them to school and on time every day 
  • If your child is absent, please send your parent note or the child’s doctor note to the appropriate campus attendance clerk within 3 days of the absence.

    Colbert Elementary – Taelor Barker  col.office@daytonisd.net

    Stephen F. Austin Elementary – Renee Simons  sfa.office@daytonisd.net

    Dr. E.R. Richer Elementary – Lisa DeHart  err.office@daytonisd.net

    Kimmie M. Brown Elementary – Bridget West  kmb.office@daytonisd.net

    Woodrow Wilson Junior High – Charla Bernard  wjh.office@daytonisd.net

    Dayton High School – Celia Hernandez  dhs.office@daytonisd.net

  • What absences may be excused?

    Absences may be classified as “excused” or “unexcused.”  Absences that are documented and verified for the following reasons may be classified as excused:

    • Personal illness (with a doctor’s or parent note)
    • Serious illness or death in the immediate family
    • Medical or dental appointments (with a doctor’s note)
    • Extenuating circumstances approved by the Principal

     


    How can I send an absence note to the school?

    There a couple of different ways you are able to send an absence note to your child’s school.  You may send a note with your child to be given to the Attendance Clerk.  Or you may send a note via email to the Attendance Clerk.  Click back on the Campus Attendance Clerks and Emails tab to find your child’s Attendance Clerk.

     


    How can I see my child’s absences?

    You can access your child’s attendance by logging into your Family Access account.  Once logged in, review their Progress Reports and Report Cards in the Portfolio.  If you notice discrepancies, reach out to the campus Attendance Clerk immediately.

     


    How is a parent to be notified about a student’s absences?

    Every effort should be made by the campus to contact a parent.  Multiple avenues are utilized.  Calling services are used at each campus, as well as email.

     


    What are the consequences for too many unexcused absences?

    Parents will be notified by email at 3, 6, and 8 unexcused absences.

    After 10 or more unexcused absences, the parent could potentially receive a Court summons and the parent may also face fines for contributing to their child’s non-attendance.

    • Read the school's guidelines and attendance policies
    • Take an active role in your child's education and stay informed on their academic progress by attending back to school meetings, orientations and especially parent-teacher conferences
    • Check your child's grades and attendance regularly
    • Plan ahead to limit your child's absences and tardies
    • Limit the amount of time your child misses school by making appointments after school
    • Make school attendance a priority by getting them to school and on time every day 

Why is school attendance important? 

School attendance is crucial for academic success, social development, and future opportunities, as regular attendance helps students stay on track with learning, building strong relationships, and preparing for higher education and employment.

Academic Achievement

  • Improved Reading and Math Skills:

    Students who attend school regularly are more likely to become proficient readers and mathematicians, which is essential for academic success and future opportunities. 

  • Increased Likelihood of Graduation:

    Students with good attendance are more likely to graduate from high school, which is a key step towards higher education and career opportunities.

  • Keeping Up with the Curriculum:

    Consistent attendance ensures students don't fall behind on lessons, assignments, and important concepts, leading to better understanding and higher grades. 

  • Building a Strong Foundation:

    Regular attendance helps students build a strong foundation for future learning, as they are able to grasp complex concepts and stay on track with cumulative lessons. 

Social and Emotional Development

  • Fostering Social Skills:

    School provides a space for students to interact with peers, learn to negotiate, and build relationships, which are crucial for social and emotional development.

  • Developing a Sense of Belonging:

    Being part of a school community helps students develop a sense of belonging and purpose, which can improve their overall well-being.

  • Learning Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:

    School interactions with teachers and peers help students develop empathy and emotional intelligence, which are important for navigating social situations and building relationships. 

Impact on Future Opportunities

  • Academic Foundation:

    Regular attendance is critical for learning to read by third grade, a key predictor of high school graduation. Students with good attendance are 2.5 times more likely to graduate from high school, opening doors to college and employment.

  • Career Readiness:

    Schools are exploring how to improve attendance to prepare students for the workforce. Reliable attendance in school fosters crucial workforce skills like responsibility, punctuality, and perseverance.