Attendance Matters

We believe that Attendance Matters

Kennewick School District, in partnership with United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties, is working hard to decrease student absences and increase overall student success in the classroom through the Attendance Matters program.

Students who attend school regularly are more likely to:

•     Stay in school, graduate and go on to post-secondary education
•     Score higher on standardized tests
•     Be more engaged in school
•     Feel better about themselves and be less likely to experience depression
•     Build good habits for school, work and life
•     Break the cycle of poverty

What can students do?

•     Make an attendance pledge.
•     If you notice a friend or classmate having trouble, ask if they need help.
•     Use the buddy system by meeting up at the start of each school day or inviting someone to join a club, sport or other activity offered in school.
•     If you are struggling with school attendance, talk to a teacher or school counselor for help.
•     If someone is absent, let them know you noticed and you're glad they are back

What can parents do?

•     Set regular bed times and morning routines.
•     Don't let your child stay home unless he or she is truly sick.
•     If you child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors or other parents for advice or to see what might be contributing to your child's feelings.
•     Talk about the importance of showing up at school every day. Make that the expectation.
•     Stay on top of your child's social contacts.
•     Encourage your child to find his/her passion, direction, inspiration or connection through school.