Attendance Matters

 Seeing your children in the classroom brings our teachers and staff a lot of joy!

All Watertown students are valued. We want to see all students succeed! Missing just two days per month can affect learning – no matter the age, grade level, or academic achievement.

Attending school regularly helps students feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important.

Feeling Crummy?

When to send your child to school:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea has not occurred the evening before or morning of school day

  • Student can tolerate a regular diet

  • Fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications (Tylenol or Ibuprofen)

  • Medical provider has cleared the child to attend school

  • Cold and cough symptoms are mild

  • Student can participate fully in school learning and activities

Guidance for Parents:

Student smiling at the camera

Elementary

  • Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

  • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

  • Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required vaccines.

  • Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.

  • Try to schedule non-urgent related medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session.

  • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

Female student wearing a back pack.

Intermediate and Middle School

  • Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day.

  • Help your children maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.

  • Try not to schedule dental and non-urgent related medical appointments during the school day.

  • Find out if your children feel engaged by their classes and feel safe from bullies and other threats.

  • Monitor your teen’s academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors when necessary.

  • Encourage your child to join meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.

Students in class raising hands.

High School

  • Make sure your teens are not missing class because of challenges with behavioral issues or school discipline policies. If any of these are problems, contact the school and work with them to find a solution.

  • Stay on top of your child’s social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.

  • Establish a rule that missing school is missing out on activities, part-time jobs, and time with friends.

  • Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day. Attendance at their future jobs or at secondary-education courses will be required.

Scheduling a vacation or appointment?

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