Everyday Matters: Why Attendance Is Essential

Dear TCUSD Families and Community,

Every school day gives a child another opportunity to learn, grow, build relationships, and move closer to a successful future. Attendance is not simply a number; it is one of the most important factors in a child’s education.

Students who attend school consistently are better able to:
• Develop strong academic skills.
• Build meaningful relationships with teachers and classmates.
• Receive timely interventions and support.
• Feel connected, confident, and successful.
• Remain on track for promotion, graduation, and future opportunities.

Missing only two days each month can add up to approximately 18 days or nearly 10 percent of the school year. Each missed day can mean lost instruction, classroom discussions, small-group support, and learning experiences that may be difficult to replace.

Arizona law requires children between the ages of six and sixteen to attend school full-time unless an exception provided by law applies. Arizona law also provides that absences exceeding 10 percent of the required school days may be considered excessive.

TCUSD Governing Board Policy JE states that parents and guardians are responsible for their child’s consistent school attendance. The policy also directs the Superintendent to enforce attendance laws while considering the circumstances that affect children and families. Most importantly, our policy emphasizes preventing and addressing the underlying causes of absenteeism.

That is the heart of our message.

We understand that illness, family emergencies, transportation difficulties, housing concerns, and other circumstances can affect a child’s attendance. Our responsibility is to listen, identify barriers, and work together to help students return to school consistently.

Our students carry the hopes, traditions, language, and future of our community. When a child is absent, that child misses valuable learning, and our schools miss the child’s presence, ideas, and unique gifts.

 

We respectfully ask families to:
• Make daily, on-time attendance a priority.
• Avoid removing students from school early whenever possible.
• Schedule appointments outside instructional hours when possible.
• Notify the school promptly when an absence is necessary.
• Contact the school early if your family is experiencing a barrier affecting attendance.

If your child is struggling to attend school, please reach out to your child’s principal, counselor, teacher, or attendance office. We want to work with you and connect your family with available support.

Attendance is a shared responsibility. When schools, families, and our community work together, we give every child the best possible opportunity to succeed.

Every day matters. Every child matters.

Respectfully,

Scott Nedrow

Superintendent
Tuba City Unified School District No. 15

 

CLICK HERE to Download Letter To The Community: Why Attendance Is Essential