Why it Maters
What percentage of middle school students do you think improve academically with regular attendance?
80%
What is the most common reason students are absent
Sickness
How much sleep should you get in a night
8 hours
9 hours
10 hours
How does good attendance help with friendships at school
Being present allows you to spend more time with friends to build the friendships and participate in social events and activities
True or False? It's okay to miss school if I can catch up on the work later
False
Even if you catch up, you miss important information in class discussions and learning experiences
True or False? Good attendance in middle school increases students' chances of graduating from high school.
True
Name one thing you can do if you feel too tired to go to school in the morning
Start going to bed earlier
Set a conscience sleep routine
Turn off the phone 30 minutes before bed
Name one thing you can do the night before to prepare for a smooth morning
Lay out your clothes
Pack your backpack
Make sure your homework is done
Name one academic benefit of showing up to class every day
You don't feel confused about class lessons
Don't fall behind on schoolwork
Your grades are more likely to be higher
You can get extra help if you need it
True or False? Missing a few days of school each month doesn't affect my academic success
False
Even though missing two days a month doesn't sound like a lot, it can add up and impact your grades
True or False? Missing two days of school each month is not a lot and will not affect your grades.
False
What is one transportation option for getting to school if you miss the bus
Walk ( if it is safe and the route is not too long)
Ride a bike ( the route is safe)
Name one benefit of having a consistent morning routine
You'll be less nervous when you know what to expect
You're more likely to be on time
Name a reward that the school gives for good attendance
Field trips
Ice cream parties
True or False? Being late counts as missing school
True
Being late regularly can add up to missing learning time, which can affect your performance in school
Name one long-term effect of poor attendance on your future.
Lower grades
Fewer opportunities in the future
Fewer opportunities for college
They can help you find resources
They can connect you or your family with supports
They can help you work out a plan to manage your challenges
How does setting an alarm in a different room help you with getting up on time
How does good attendance affect your ability to join after-school clubs or sports
Can't participate in clubs if you are not on campus
Good attendance and GPA are factored into you being on that sports team
True or False? Attending school every day helps with more than just grades
It helps with social skills, friendships, and emotional development
What are 2 positive effects of attending school regularly
Better grades
Stronger friendships
Less overwhelming
Less confusion
More opportunities for sports and extracurriculars
Talk to a trusted adult
Practice calming strategies (deep breathing)
Make a plan for dealing with difficult situations at school
What can you do if you are feeling unmotivated to go to school?
Remind yourself of your goals
Think about the friends and activities waiting for you
Reward yourself with something fun after school
Think about the most fun part of the school day
Name a long-term benefit of having good attendance
Building good habits
You have a better chance of getting into college
You build life skills like responsibility and time management
More likely to get good grades
True or False? Missing a day or two in middle school isn't a big deal
Even a few days can put you behind in classes and negatively affect your progress