Inclass
School Attendance Is Important!
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform better academically. In addition, schools provide students with a community and teach children how to interact with their peers and important social skills. The consistency and routine that schools provide help students with organizational skills and prepare them for future careers after graduation.
What Leads to School Absenteeism?
Families Living in Transition
- McKinney Vento
Keeping a child attending school regularly may be difficult when a family’s housing circumstances are not stable. This includes but is not limited to, doubled-up, couch surfing, hotel/motel living, and inadequate living conditions. Learn more about your rights.
Children who remain in school can maintain academic and emotional stability and consistently receive nutrition during their family's hardships.
If your family struggles to maintain a child's attendance because of housing instability, please contact Oakland Schools McKinney-Vento Coordinator Kelly.Phillips@oakland.k12.mi.us, who will connect you with your local district liaison.
Bullying
Children who are bullied may avoid attending school. Sometimes children don't understand their subconscious desires to miss school. The stomach ache and not feeling well, may stem from wanting to stay away from bullying.
Parents have options: Visit the Oakland Schools Bullying 101 page for resources and information about bullying. Talk to your child about what they are experiencing and give them the confidence to stand up to bullying.
Transportation
Students who live far from school without a bus system rely on adults to help them get to school. School transportation is a common issue for students without a reliable vehicle.
If your family is experiencing difficulty in getting to school, contact your local school/district or public school academy for possible solutions. Attending your local designated school can help improve your student's attendance and academic success.
Health
When a child is at home sick, they miss valuable hours of instruction. Understand what symptoms prevent a child from attending school, so your child will not miss out in the classroom.
If your student suffers from a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes, talk with your school in your school district or public school academy to find out their sick policy and determine the best medical support for your child throughout the school day. Documented appointments signed by a healthcare provider do not count toward a student's absence rate.
Poor Grades/Incomplete School Work
When children are struggling in school, they may want to avoid school completely. Give your child the resources to work through academic hardships. If your child is struggling, reach out to their school teachers in the school district or public school academy and ask for assistance with homework. Early conversations regarding your child's needs lead to improved academic success.
Talk openly with your child about what they are struggling with and be their advocate for communicating these issues with their teachers and school leaders. Your child may not know how to communicate their difficulties.
Practical Tips for Parents
Tip 1: Establish a Routine
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Ensure your child gets enough sleep and wakes up at the same time each day.
- Morning Routine: Create a predictable morning routine that prepares your child for school.
Tip 2: Communicate with the School
- Stay Informed: Regularly check in with teachers about your child's progress and attendance.
- Address Concerns: Work with school staff to resolve issues affecting your child's attendance.
Tip 3: Set Expectations
- Importance of Attendance: Talk to your child about why going to school every day is important.
- Rewards for Good Attendance: Recognize and reward your child for regular attendance and punctuality.
Tip 4: Monitor Health and Well-being
- Address Health Issues: Ensure your child receives regular medical check-ups and stays healthy.
- Support Mental Health: Be attentive to signs of stress or anxiety and seek professional help if needed.
Tip 5: Create a Positive Learning Environment
- Homework Support: Provide a quiet and organized space for your child to complete homework.
- Encourage Learning: Show interest in your child's school activities and encourage curiosity and exploration.
Parent Resources
- Michigan 2-1-1
Michigan 2-1-1 is an easy way to find help of all kinds, right in your community.
- MIChild
Free or low cost health coverage for children under the age of 19 or pregnant women of any age, or call the MI Child and Healthy Kids number: 888-988-6300.
- Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN)
OCHN provides quality integration of physical and mental health supports and services. This includes youth and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities, mental health concerns, and substance use disorders.
- Housing Assistance