San Antonio Standard

SAN ANTONIO  – In a united effort to address the critical importance of consistent school attendance and tackle the challenges associated with chronic absenteeism, the San Antonio Municipal Court has partnered with Pre-K 4 SA and Communities in Schools to launch the Attendance Matters campaign. This initiative aligns with September’s Attendance Awareness Month and aims to equip the community with helpful resources.

“Regular school attendance reflects our shared vision for a vibrant and secure San Antonio,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “Every effort we make to ensure that our children are well-prepared for a successful life and career contributes to a brighter future for all.”

A comprehensive study conducted by the Texas Education Agency highlights chronic absenteeism as a pivotal factor contributing to increased dropout rates among students, subsequently impacting their potential earnings in adulthood.

The Attendance Matters campaign will use a range of community outreach efforts, including distributing flyers and sharing social media posts containing tips for a successful school year, along with a comprehensive list of local community resources available on the Court's website.

“Chronic absenteeism is not just a matter of missed days; it's a barrier to our children's future potential,” said Municipal Court Presiding Judge Carla Obledo. “Through the Attendance Matters campaign and our truancy services, we’d like to send a clear message: Every day in school matters, and every student's success matters.”

The Municipal Court plays a proactive role year-round in delivering truancy prevention and intervention services through its dedicated team of Juvenile Case Managers. This team works with schools, students, parents, and guardians through multiple steps to facilitate a positive change in school attendance.

“Research from the Harvard Center for the Developing Child tells us the brains of young children form 1 million neural connections every second. This means not just every day of school attendance matters, but every minute matters,” said Dr. Sarah Baray, Pre-K 4 SA CEO. “The science of brain development explains the strong link between attendance and student success, not only as indicated by grades and test scores, but also by high school and college graduation rates. This is why Pre-K 4 SA focuses on helping families build a habit of regular school attendance from the very beginning of a child’s education journey.”

Tips for a Successful School Year

•    Schedule check-ups and vaccinations before school starts

•    Meet the teacher and visit the school with your student

•    Keep your students home when sick

•    Keep the school informed of your contact information

•    Notify the school if your student is absent

•    Use the parent portal to check grades and attendance

•    Have a nightly routine and a regular bedtime

•    Provide a nutritious breakfast to help students focus

•    Plan appointments outside of school hours

•    Make their education a priority

For more information about the Court’s Attendance Matters campaign visit their website.

Original source can be found here.