The St. Joseph School District released a new Public Service Announcement today regarding the importance of school attendance. The PSA, “Minutes Matter,” was produced for Attendance Awareness Month, which began September 1.
Student attendance is counted by the minute, not by the day or partial day. “The goal for each student is to maintain a 95% or higher attendance percentage per year,” said Dr. Fred Czerwonka, Superintendent of Schools. “Medical appointments are important, and we ask parents to work with us and schedule those after school, or plan to return to school immediately following the appointment. Each minute counts, and missed school time can add up quickly to affect a student’s learning process,” said Czerwonka.
To support this goal:
• Parents are encouraged to be mindful of attendance when scheduling medical, dental, orthodontist and all appointments during the school day;
• Be aware of student attendance when scheduling family trips when school is in session;
• Make school attendance a high priority; students miss out on learning opportunities when absent from school.
Every minute counts! Attendance Awareness Month is a nationwide event recognizing the connection between school attendance and academic achievement. The goal is to promote the value of good attendance and taking concrete steps toward reducing chronic absence. The St. Joseph School District Public Service Announcement can be viewed on the St. Joseph School District website, www.sjsd.k12.mo.us .