Information

Attendance

The Michigan School code states that it is the responsibility of parents to see that their children between the ages of six and sixteen be in regular attendance at school. The Portage Schools extend the expectation that all students, regardless of age, should attend 100% of all scheduled instructional days. Students are expected to be in all class sessions to which they are assigned.

When your child is absent from school, he misses more than the day’s lessons. Class discussions can be just as valuable and cannot be made up.

If your child is truly sick, he/she should stay home of course. But missing school for any other reason can become a bad habit. Studies show that kids who have poor attendance in the elementary years are much more likely to drop out of high school later.

You can show your child how important you think good attendance is. Schedule doctors’ appoint-ments, haircuts, shopping and family vacations after school hours.

If your child must stay home due to illness, ask the teachers if assignments can be sent home. Keeping up with schoolwork will make things easier when s/he returns.

Finally…remind your children that going to school is their number one job!