By Karen South Jones

Special to the Salisbury Post

The start of a new school year is a good time to remind parents of the importance of regular school attendance.

Showing up for school has a tremendous impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Research shows that children chronically absent (missing just two days of school every month) in kindergarten and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of third grade.

By sixth grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk of dropping out. By ninth grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates more accurately than eighth-grade test scores.

The chronically absent student isn’t the only child impacted; too many absent students can affect the whole classroom, creating churn and slowing down instruction.

Poor attendance is not just about unexcused absences or children willfully missing school. Excused absences can affect student performance, too. As parents or caregivers, we are responsible for making sure our children develop habits of regular attendance. Here are a few practical tips for ensuring children attend school every day:

• Make sure children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Make certain children go to school every day unless they are sick.

• Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor and dentist appointments when school is in session.

• Talk with teachers, counselors or administrators if your child feels anxious about going to school.

Develop back-up plans for getting children to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor or another parent to take your child to school.

Rowan County Youth Services Bureau knows that many families face tough challenges which can result in school absences. That’s why we developed Family Power, an initiative to assist families struggling with attendance issues. Supported both by Rowan County United Way member agency allocations and a United Way Community Initiative Grant, Family Power works with students in kindergarten through third grade to develop family plans for improving attendance.

Andi Boylan, program director, also helps families identify and access community resources to eliminate barriers for regular school attendance.

Family Power had positive results in our first year of operation and we’re excited to see what this school year will bring. We currently serve students in Knollwood and Hurley elementary schools, where we have a wonderful, collaborative relationship with school administrators and staff. We’re delighted to be able to provide Family Power as another tool to address attendance issues.

So, remember, missing school matters. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Karen South Jones is executive director of Rowan County Youth Services Bureau, a United Way member agency.