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Wildcat Community,
Similar to many schools across the country, we have seen a significant increase in the number of school days missed at CVHS since returning from the pandemic. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. Missing just two days per month is associated with lower scores and decreased performance. We want to ensure that our students feel supported by our school staff and can make the most of their time in classes, programs, and extracurricular activities. School attendance is a strong predictor of who will be successful in their course work and report feeling positive about their school experience.
Chronic absences not only impact the individual student but also the school overall. The Virginia Department of Education monitors absenteeism in schools, which is defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year, regardless of reason. Schools must keep their absenteeism rate below 15% to be in good standing with the state. Last year (2021-2022), the rate at CVHS was 17.7%, which means that students, staff, and parents must all work together to make improvements in attendance.
In addition to missing full school days, we have also seen more students arriving late in the morning, skipping classes, and leaving school grounds without permission. Parents have a huge influence on their student’s attendance. It is important to reinforce the idea that going to school on time every day is important. Unless there is a valid excused reason, students are expected to attend all their classes and to remain on school grounds, including during lunch.
We greatly appreciate your support and partnership in helping to ensure timely arrival to school along with excellent attendance habits. Below is additional information and links to resources.
Thank you,
Chad Lehman
Principal
- Help your child maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
- Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day.
- Talk to your child about why going to school every day is important unless they are sick.
- Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick.
- Help your teen stay engaged by asking questions about what he is learning in school, using ParentVUE to check progress on assignments, and seeking help from teachers or tutors if necessary. Make sure teachers know how to contact you.
- Get to know your child’s friends and listen when she talks about someone new, or stops talking about an old friend. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.
- Encourage meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.
- Know the school’s attendance policy.
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Check on your student’s attendance to be sure absences are not piling up.
- If your child seems reluctant to go to school, find out why and talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make her feel comfortable and excited about learning. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
- Reach out to your child’s school counselor or social worker if you are experiencing tough times such as unstable housing, transportation or health problems.
CVHS Attendance Policies and Reporting
FCPS Attendance Information for Secondary School
FCPS Resources for Supporting Poor Attendance
Attendanceworks.org
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