Students with regular school attendance are more likely to succeed. Every day matters for every child. Everyone can help make this happen – schools, families and community members.

Attendance matters for students at all grade levels. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to read at grade level, and to build a strong foundation as they move from preschool and kindergarten to high school.

On the other hand, students who are chronically absent are at risk of falling behind. “Chronically absent” means a student is missing 10% of the school year. It doesn’t matter whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Each day represents lost time.

What does 10% look like? If your school district uses a five-day week, 18 days is considered chronically absent. If your district uses a four-day week, 14 days is considered chronically absent.

School districts are now tracking absences more closely. This is not to increase disciplinary actions – it is to identify students who may need increased support getting to school. Every day matters for every child.