Superintendent

Dear Families and Community Members,

As we start the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, I want to take a moment to address one of the most important elements of student success—regular school attendance.

Ensuring that children are present and engaged in school every day is one of the most powerful ways we, as educators and families, can help them grow and succeed.

Why Attendance Is a Priority This Year

Students who attend school regularly are more likely to stay on track academically, feel connected to their peers, and develop habits that support lifelong learning. On the other hand, chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—can lead to learning gaps, lower grades, increased anxiety, and ultimately a higher risk of falling behind or even dropping out.

Our district is placing a renewed focus on improving attendance across all grade levels this school year because we’ve seen firsthand the toll that missed instructional time takes on a child’s academic journey. Whether absences are due to illness, transportation issues, or other challenges, missing school regularly adds up—and it matters.

We’re Here to Help: Services and Supports Available

We recognize that many families face legitimate and complex barriers to consistent attendance. That’s why our school district is committed not only to addressing absences but also to preventing them by offering compassionate, hands-on support.

We have built a robust network of services and professionals to help students overcome the obstacles that may be keeping them out of school. These include:

• Truancy Consultants: Our team works directly with families when attendance issues arise, focusing on early intervention, support, and connection to resources—not punishment. Their goal is to ensure students and families feel supported in getting back on track.
• SAP (Student Assistance Program) Team Meetings: Each school has a SAP team dedicated to identifying and addressing barriers to learning, including emotional or behavioral concerns. These teams coordinate targeted support and strategies to help students re-engage.
• Guidance Counselors: School counselors are available to support students with academic planning, peer relationships, and personal development. They play a vital role in helping students stay connected and motivated throughout the school year.
• School Social Workers: Our social workers connect families with vital services including mental health support, food security, housing, and crisis intervention. They act as a crucial bridge between home and school to support overall student wellness.
• Behavioral Therapists: Our district is proud to have trained behavioral health specialists on staff who work directly with students to manage emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs that may be affecting school performance and attendance.
• Communities In Schools (CIS) Site Coordinators: CIS coordinators are embedded within our schools and work directly with students and families to address non-academic barriers. Whether it’s access to clothing, mentoring, or food resources, their mission is to surround students with a community of support.
• St. Luke’s Hospital Partnership: We have a strong and growing partnership with St. Luke’s Hospital, which provides valuable community health collaborations, access to care, and outreach services that enhance student and family well-being. Through this partnership, we are better equipped to address the social, emotional, and physical health needs of our school community.
• YESS Program – Your Emotional Strength Supported: One of the most impactful programs in our district, the YESS school-based therapy program offers on-site mental health counseling provided by licensed professionals. This ensures students can access therapeutic services during the school day—removing the barrier of transportation and increasing consistency of care.

Together, these services allow us to take a holistic approach to supporting each child—academically, emotionally, and socially.

A Message to Parents and Caregivers: We Need You

As we look to a fresh new school year, we are asking for your partnership. Families are a child’s first teacher, and your support makes all the difference. I encourage you to begin talking with your children about the value of attending school each day—about how showing up is the first step to success in the classroom and in life.

Here are a few tips to help build strong attendance habits from day one:

• Start practicing consistent morning and bedtime routines now
• Schedule doctor’s appointments and family travel outside of school days
• Communicate with your school as soon as you foresee a challenge—whether it’s transportation, illness, or something more
• Remind your child that their presence matters and they are an important part of their school community

Looking Ahead: Stronger Together

We know that building good attendance habits is not always easy, especially when families are facing real-world challenges. But we also know that when schools, families, and communities work together, we can overcome those challenges—and help every student reach their full potential.

The 2025–2026 school year brings a new opportunity for growth, learning, and connection. Let’s work hand in hand to ensure that our students start strong, stay engaged, and are supported every step of the way.

On behalf of our entire district staff, thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to welcoming your children back to school this fall—and to working with you to make this year one of the best yet.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Elizabeth Robison