School attendance refers to the time a student spends in school throughout the school district’s calendar year. In the state of Kentucky there is a compulsory attendance law for students ages 6-18 which requires them to attend school regularly. However, attendance is most important because students are more likely to succeed in academics when they attend school consistently.

It’s difficult for the teacher and the class to build their skills and progress if a large number of students are frequently absent. It is also difficult for students to build peer relationships and a strong foundation in math and reading if they miss a lot of school, even if the absences are excused.

Regular school attendance builds a variety of positive habits in students. It helps them value their responsibilities as far as being a good student and learning the content they need to be successful in life. Stressing the importance of attendance helps students understand the value of learning. It also teaches them the importance of consistency in following through on a commitment, similar to going to work at a job each day.

The attendance rate for Clinton County schools hover near the state average of 94 percent. The year to date attendance rate for the district as of December 1, 2016 was 94.1 percent. That is very close to the rate at the same time last year with the district showing a year to date attendance rate of 94.9 percent on December 1, 2015.

“I am glad our attendance rate is staying up and is remaining close to the state average, but every day we have children missing school and missing instruction when they should be sitting in our classrooms,” said Dr. Julie York, Director of Pupil Personnel (DPP). “These students are missing important learning that is lost when they are not in school.”

With the holiday break approaching, students will be dismissed from school following the final day on Friday, December 16 and return on Wednesday, January 4.

When students return in January, the weather is often questionable for the majority of January and February and it is more important than ever for students and parents to make every effort to have children at school on time so that the necessary learning can take place before the semester ends.

If your child is ill and must miss a day of classes, please remember to send a parent note or a doctor note to school the following day. This will excuse the absence and allow the student to do a make-up assessment. Parents are allowed up to 10 parent notes for the school year to use for illness or family emergencies.

If you have questions and/or concerns about your child’s attendance, you may call Dr. Julie York at 606-387-6480.