At Worcester Public Schools, we partner with families to encourage regular school attendance from the start. Chronic absenteeism impacts not only the absent student but the entire classroom, as teachers must slow the pace of instruction to review missed material, making it harder for everyone to succeed.

• Starting Early: Regular attendance, starting in kindergarten, is crucial. Missing 10% of school days — or just two days a month — can lead to academic challenges.

• Sick Days: It’s okay for a child to miss school when they're sick, but frequent absences can hurt their learning. Building good attendance habits early helps set children up for long-term success.

• Parental Involvement: Parents play a vital role in setting expectations and encouraging good attendance, especially in the early years.

• Chronic Absenteeism: High school students who are chronically absent are 7.4 times more likely to drop out.

• Missed Days Add Up: Missing just 10% of school days, or 2 days a month, puts children at risk of falling behind academically.

1. Report the Absence: Call the school to notify them when your child will be absent.

2. Provide Documentation: If your child sees a doctor, send a doctor’s note to the school.

3. Make-Up Work: Ask the teacher about work your child can complete at home to make up for missed lessons.

4. Follow-Up: Check with the school about any additional steps needed to keep your child on track.

• Create a Routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep by setting a regular bedtime and morning schedule.

• Prepare the Night Before: Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the evening before.

• Encourage Breakfast: School provides breakfast daily to help children start the day ready to learn.

• Talk About School: Ask your child about their day and encourage excitement about learning.

• Don’t Skip School: Keep your child home only when they’re truly sick.

• Support Comfort: If your child feels anxious about school, talk to teachers or school counselors for advice.

• Back-Up Plans: Have a plan for transportation if needed — ask for help from neighbors or other parents.

• Avoid Disruptions: Try not to schedule medical appointments or vacations during school time

• State Law: Students aged 6-16 must attend school.

• Excessive Absences:

  • 7 Absences: A court complaint can be filed against the parent/guardian.

  • 8 Absences in a Quarter: A court complaint may be filed against the student.

  • 14 Absences: Students may lose credit or risk retention.

• Building Good Habits: The earlier children realize school is their responsibility, the more successful they’ll be.

• Setting Up for Future Success: Good attendance supports academic success in high school, college, and beyond.

• The Impact of Tardiness: Being late disrupts learning and can lead to poor attendance patterns over time.

• Cumulative Absences: Missing even a few days every few weeks can cause students to fall behind.

• Chronic Absenteeism: Missing 10% of school can make it harder for children to learn and succeed academically.

• Two absences a month equals 20 absences a year.

• 18 absences a year by Grade 9 means your child has missed one full year of school.

Making Good Attendance A Priority