September is Attendance Awareness Month. Districts and schools across the nation are highlighting the importance of consistent student attendance this month. Every absence, whether excused or unexcused, is a learning opportunity lost and can have significant effects on student success. Missing just two days a month adds up to 18 days per year, which is 10 percent of the school year. That level of absence means a student is, for example, less likely to read by the end of third grade.

In Lake Washington School District, about 10 percent of students missed 10 percent of school days last year. The district will continue to focus on the importance of attendance in the 2015-16 school year.

“Every day in school adds up to more learning,” said Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent. “Schools, families and community partners working together can help students attend regularly. It starts with education about the importance of being in school every day.”

The district is launching a campaign with the theme of “School every day – it adds up.” It began in September and will continue with reminders to students and families throughout the school year.

Procedures that align with a new state law regarding attendance will also bring attention to this issue at the elementary level. Schools must conference with the family and child in an elementary school when the student has five or more excused absences in a month or ten or more in a year. A conference is not required if there was prior written notice to the school or a doctor’s note was provided and there is an academic plan put in place to ensure the student does not fall behind.

“Communication between families and schools with a plan to continue student learning can help keep a student on track,” noted Dr. Pierce.