Attendance Memo

Gretchen Rudolph‑Fladd, Ed.D Principal 

Megan Kraus Assistant Principal

Date: AUGUST 2025

To: PARENTS / GUARDIANS OF PES STUDENTS

From: PES ADMINISTRATION

Re: ATTENDANCE

This memo is to remind families that research shows students who consistently miss school are at risk of lower academic achievement, failure and even dropping out of school altogether. Furthermore, because of the structure of our authentic learning units, the collaborative work is a key part of student learning. This is the part of the learning students are not able to make up. Additionally, when most children miss a few days of school each year there may not be long‑term consequences. However, when they miss many days, the effects are almost always negative. The Florida Department of Education classifies a student as being “chronically absent” when they miss 10 percent of school days, and it is different from truancy, which counts only unexcused absences. Our students have 180 days in their school year, which means that missing two or more days per month will put children in the category of chronic absenteeism.

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college and in their careers.

It is the belief of the District School Board of Pasco County that academic success requires continuity of instruction and active classroom participation. Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in school during the days and hours that the school is in session. Absences, regardless of the reason or status (excused or unexcused), are missed opportunities for academic instruction. School attendance shall be the responsibility of parents and students. Students are to be counted in attendance only if they are actually present or engaged in a school‑approved educational activity, which constitutes a part of the instructional program for the student.

What you can do:

• Avoid scheduling vacations when school is in session. They are considered unexcused absences.
• Build regular routines for bedtime and the morning.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Talk about the importance of regular attendance and about how your child feels about school.
• Don’t permit missing school unless your child is truly sick. Use a thermometer to check for a fever. Remember that stomach aches and headaches may be signs of anxiety.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make him/her feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• Avoid medical appointments when school is in session.
• Keep a chart recording your child’s attendance at home. At the end of the week, talk with your child about what you see.
• Develop back‑up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Ask a family member, neighbor or another parent for help.
• Seek support from school staff or community groups to help with transportation, health problems, or no safe path to school.

The District School Board of Pasco County is System Accredited by Cognia.
Dr. John Legg, Superintendent of Schools