The Key to Success: Why Attendance Matters in School

Posted by Pierz Schools on 1/23/2025

A new semester brings a fresh new start during the doldrums of this frigid winter: new classes, fresh grades, and another opportunity for academic success. One of the most consistent ways to ensure academic success is through regular school attendance.

 

At Pierz Schools, regular school attendance is considered one of our highest priorities. Research has proven that regular school attendance is a necessary component and a strong indicator of success both in school and in future work endeavors. As parents, you can set your children up for a lifetime of success by making regular attendance a priority. We strive to partner with parents to ensure students attend school.

While of the utmost importance for both schools, the attendance policies for each school vary slightly. Click for the full article and information on attendance policies in both schools.

 

At Healy High School, students are allowed up to 10 absences per semester. All absences meeting the “exceptions” criteria listed below will not be counted toward the 10 allowed absences. Absences beyond 10 will all be considered unexcused, and therefore counted towards truancy. The only absences that are not counted towards this policy are absences that are excused:

  1. School Sponsored Activity
  2. Court Appearance
  3. Illness accompanied by doctor's written validation. Physicians' excuse for absence must be provided to the high school office within 3 days of returning from an absence or they will not be honored.
  4. College Visits pre-approved by the School Administration. Pre-approved visits are limited to two (2) per semester for high school students.
  5. Religious activities pre-approved by the School Administration
  6. School meetings with a counselor, principal, or other school staff that is approved by the Principal
  7. Funeral

At Pioneer Elementary, any absence that is beyond 15 days in a school year will be considered unexcused. After 7 unexcused absences, students are considered 'habitually truant' by state statute and the school is required to report to Morrison County for ‘educational neglect’. Exceptions to this include: 

  1. Absence accompanied by a physician’s note stating the child could not be in attendance because of injury, illness, or surgical procedure. (Notes from physician or dentist appointments, not illness, will be considered parent excused and will not be an exception.)
  2. Absence because the school nurse has sent a child home because of illness or injury
  3. Absence because of a funeral 
  4. School sponsored activity
  5. Court appearance
  6. Religious activities pre-approved by School Administration

The average Pioneer Elementary student attends 95% of the scheduled school days, and misses less than 8.5 days of school per year!

Building Strong Foundations

Each school day offers valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Missing even a single day can mean lost opportunities to grasp new concepts, participate in discussions, and build relationships with teachers and peers. Studies show that students who attend school consistently in their early years are more likely to develop strong foundational skills in reading, math, and critical thinking.

Setting the Stage for Future Success

Attendance habits formed during childhood often carry over into adulthood. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and succeed in the workforce. Conversely, chronic absenteeism can significantly hinder a student’s progress and confidence.

Fostering Social Connections

School is not just a place for academics; it’s also where children develop important social and emotional skills. Regular attendance helps students build friendships, collaborate on projects, and learn how to navigate social dynamics—all essential skills for life beyond the classroom.

How You Can Help

Here are some tips to support your child’s attendance:

  1. Set a routine: establish a consistent bedtime and morning schedule to ensure your child gets enough rest and arrives at school on time.
  2. Take phones out of the bedroom. Keep your child’s phones and devices in an office or other designated space where their sleep won’t be interrupted, and they won’t be tempted to go online.
  3. Communicate the importance of attendance: talk to your child about why attending school is essential for their future.
  4. Plan Ahead: schedule appointments and family trips outside of school hours whenever possible.
  5. Monitor attendance: keep track of your child’s attendance and address any patterns of absenteeism early. Get to know Synergy ParentVUE!
  6. Seek Support: if your child is facing challenges that make attending school difficult, reach out to their teacher, school counselor, or principal. We’re here to help!

Together, we can ensure that every student attending Pierz Schools has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Let’s continue to make this school year one of growth, learning, and achievement. Thank you for your partnership in making regular school attendance a priority.