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I
am extremely pleased to report that last year our students met and
slightly exceeded our overall district attendance goal of 95 percent.
They also made excellent progress in student achievement. At the
elementary level, our students were present 95.66 percent of the
school year. Middle school pupils attended 95.42 percent, and high
school students were present 93.18 percent. Additionally, our students
achieved 45 of 46 Adequate Yearly Progress targets set forth in the No
Child Left Behind accountability law.
This year, we are
aiming at surpassing last year’s attendance rates and have set a 96
percent daily present goal. We also expect to further elevate the
achievement of all students. Attendance is critical to student
learning. If a child is not in school, they miss instruction and the
academic support needed to succeed. Thank you for helping us ensure
that all our children succeed in school by attending daily prepared to
learn..
Attendance benefits
the child’s learning and success and it helps our schools in other
ways. State funding to school districts is based in part on
attendance. These funds help us provide the necessary supports to
classrooms and schools. When pupils are in school and engaged, they
learn and are supervised in safe and attractive learning environments.
One encouraging
program to reduce chronic truancy at the high school level began last
year with the attendance center created at Luther Burbank High School.
More than 80 percent of the students who received services at the
center began attending school regularly. This partnership among our
district, the City of Sacramento, Sacramento City Police and several
community-based organizations, was created to provide essential
services to students and families and to eliminate barriers to daily
attendance. Our counselors provide guidance and follow-up with both
students and families. This effort works because it engages students,
families and community, and it aims at changing behavior—not just
“warehousing” teens. We are most grateful for the resources and
support given by all our partners to this very worthwhile effort.
Our teachers work
very hard to offer engaging instruction and build positive
relationships with our students. Our principals and staff also provide
necessary supports and help us create strong adult/student
relationships as they encourage daily attendance and success in
school. Please help us achieve our new goals by reminding your
children of the value of daily attendance. Your support and working
together is making a difference in our students’ success in school.
Superintendent's Prior Messages
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