Showing up: The simple secret to your child’s success

A column from Superintendent Greg Cole.

As we look toward a strong year ahead, I want to talk about one of the most powerful ways you can increase your child' s ability to thrive at school: strong attendance.

We often think of success in school as something that comes from complex study plans or hours of homework. But according to mountains of research, the biggest game changer is just showing up regularly. When kids attend school consistently, small things get easier and better outcomes become more frequent. They just do better all around.

The numbers tell a story

When a student misses just two days a month, it adds up to missing nearly 10% of the school year. That lost time creates a ripple effect:

• Reading and math: Research shows that when kids miss class, they miss the foundations needed for reading comprehension and math problem-solving. It hurts their confidence because they don’t know information their peers had access to.
   
• Confidence and behavior: Students who attend daily feel more connected to their teachers and classmates. When kids fall behind due to absences, school becomes frustrating, which often leads to anxiety and behavioral struggles because they feel lost. It’s not an ability problem; it’s just that they missed details that help.

People have grown tired of hearing that many of our students’ problems are related to the Pandemic. But a shift away from placing a high value on attendance has harmed students in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. By banding together to convey the power of presence and attendance, our students will see benefits. Day by day, they will become more and more empowered because they’re more likely to understand and connect dots simply because they were at school.

Small routines for smooth mornings

We know how chaotic life can get. Between busy work schedules, tired kids, and morning rush hours, getting everyone out the door is no small feat. You don't need to overhaul your entire life—just a few small, consistent habits can turn mornings from a battle into a smooth routine:

1. The night-before reset: Help your child prepare clothes, backpacks, and permission slips the night before school whenever possible.
2. Protect sleep hours: Set a firm "screens away" time 30 minutes before sleep. A well-rested child is much easier to wake up and far more resilient during the school day. The research is clear that electronic devices harm sleep and by extension performance.
3. Talk up the "why": Remind your child that their presence matters. Tell them, "Your teacher and your friends are waiting to see you today." Kids want to feel like they belong.
4. Reach out early: If your child is struggling with anxiety, illness, or morning resistance, please lean on us. Our teachers and counselors are here to partner with you, not judge.

Every morning your child shows up at school, they are building a habit of reliability that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Let’s work together to give them every advantage.