Dear TLDSB parents/guardians,
It’s hard to believe we are nearing spring already. I want to thank you for supporting your child(ren) in ensuring attending school is a priority. Every day of school is an opportunity for students to develop personally, socially, and academically.
Impact of inclement weather
I know the amount of inclement weather days have made for difficult circumstances for some families this year. We are all hoping to see an end to the snow and ice as we approach spring. I am happy to say that many of the elementary schools had over 50 percent of students attending on inclement weather days! We have been working hard with staff to ensure there are plans to continue student learning on inclement days and afterward to catch up when regular classes resume to ensure your child(ren) succeeds.
The importance of school attendance year-round
As part of my role, I monitor daily and monthly attendance rates throughout the year. This data is used as an overall indicator of engagement and success. Unfortunately, we have seen a significant drop in attendance in November, December, January, and February, compared to September and October in both elementary and secondary schools. It is important to note that inclement weather days are not included when considering this data. I understand that illness and other circumstances impact attendance, and hope that as spring approaches we are able to see more students well and at school. The data is also showing a concerning attendance rate for our secondary students as they have the lowest attendance percentage of all the grades. Our staff care and want to help students who show up to school – it’s not only good for their academic performance but their mental health as well.
The link between student success and attendance
A recent article in one of the media outlets highlighted the success of our early reading program. We are deeply committed to ensuring all students can read and have started to support students in junior, intermediate, and secondary schools who are struggling with acquiring reading skills.
Over the fall, students in Kindergarten to Grade 2 were screened for literacy abilities through a tool called Acadience. The results of this screening have shown a relationship between a students’ attendance rate and their performance on the early reading screening tool. Students who have an attendance rate of 90 percent or greater are more likely to have passed the early reading screening than students who do not have at least a 90 percent attendance rate. The same can be said for secondary school students getting all of their credits to graduate. Students who show up and are engaged do better than students with high absenteeism.
Parents/guardians and staff working together to support student attendance
We have learned through time and experience in education that:
- Having high expectations for attendance and engagement matters
- Promoting personal responsibility and accountability through the establishment of routines both at home and school makes students accountable
- Setting daily routines at home and at school promotes a sense of well-being and resilience
- Working with parents/guardians as partners when a student does not want to attend school shows students we care
- Asking for help from your school makes a difference for your child
Regular attendance is not only good for the well-being and continuation of learning for your child(ren), it’s also a skill that will serve them well beyond their school years and into the world of work.
Need support?
If you need help with supporting your child(ren)’s attendance, reach out to your child(ren)’s teacher, a guidance counselor, the principal, or another caring individual at school – they are all ready to help.
Resources
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This is available on Sora – TLDSB’s digital library available to students, staff, and parents/guardians.
Limiting screen time and getting kids moving from SickKids
Sincerely,
Wes Hahn
Director of Education
Trillium Lakelands District School Board
Upcoming events
TLDSB Film Series: The truth about reading.*:
The screening of The truth about reading.* is taking place on Monday, April 7 at 6-8 p.m. at theRene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre in Bracebridge. If you are interested in attending, complete the Register Form.
City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton events have already taken place.
Positive Parenting Webinar Series:
TLDSB, in partnership with Pine River Institute, is hosting free virtual webinars for elementary and secondary parents/guardians, and staff. Upcoming sessions include:
Cellphones and Vaping on March 20 at 7-8 p.m.
School Avoidance on April 15 at 7-8 p.m.
If you are interested in attending, complete the Positive Parenting Webinar Series Registration Form. Note, we recommend registering even if you are not able to attend on these dates as you will then receive the recordings.
Save-the-date for a parent engagement speaker, Jennifer Kolari:
There are two dates/locations for this speaker:
Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. at the TLDSB Muskoka Education Centre in Bracebridge
Wednesday, April 30 at 7 p.m. at the Days Inn & Suites in Lindsay
Transportation to these events will be available.
More information will be shared with parents/guardians shortly.
