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Every Day Counts
Every Day Counts
The more they attend, the more they achieve.
Did you know? Missing just two to four days in the first month of school can significantly increase the chances of your child becoming chronically absent later in the year.
Regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s academic and personal success. Each day in the classroom offers valuable learning, connection with peers and teachers, and opportunities to build the skills and confidence needed for the future. Missing even a few days can add up, making it harder for students to catch up and stay engaged.
When students attend school consistently, they are more likely to stay on track, feel connected, and reach their full potential—because every day truly does count.
Facts About the Impact of Poor Attendance
- Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.
- Chronic absenteeism has improved since its pandemic peak but remains far higher than before COVID-19. Nationally, about 15% of students were chronically absent in 2018-19. By 2022-23 about 25% of students were chronically absent and 23.5% in 2023-24.
- Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back.
- By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
- Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school, or about 18 days, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence.
Why is Attending in School Important?
School is more than a place for academics—it’s where children learn to navigate friendships, build social skills, and develop a sense of responsibility and belonging that will carry them through life. As the year unfolds, we encourage you to make regular attendance a top priority so your child can fully benefit from the rich and well-rounded educational experience our schools are committed to providing.
Tips and Practices for Helping Support Your Child’s Consistent School Attendance
- Avoid scheduling vacations when school is in session.
- Build regular routines for bedtimes and the mornings.
- 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 sick.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or your school principal for advice on how to help your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
- Avoid medical appointments when school is in session.
- Develop back up plans for getting your child to school if something comes up. Ask a family member, neighbor or another family for help.
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Why Chronic Absenteeism Matters
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Chronic absenteeism is when a student misses 10% or more of the school year for any reason—this includes excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions. It is not the same as truancy, which only includes unexcused absences.
Since a typical school year is about 180 days, that means missing 18 or more days (just two days a month) qualifies as chronic absenteeism.
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Research suggests that children who are chronically absent for multiple years between preschool and second grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the third grade. This has been shown elsewhere to make students four times more likely to not graduate from high school.
Chronic absenteeism can also further disengage students from their learning and connections with their peers and with other caring adults.By middle and high school, chronic absenteeism becomes a strong warning sign for dropping out.
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Chronic absence derives from multiple, often interconnected factors. research points to: student disengagement, lack of access to student and family supports, and student and family health challenges as significant drivers.
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Pullman Public Schools (like most Washington districts) follows state guidelines and best practices:
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Early Identification
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Attendance data is tracked closely, so staff can spot patterns early (like multiple absences in September, which often predict chronic absenteeism later in the year).
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Families are contacted proactively when concerns arise.
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Positive & Supportive Outreach
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Instead of “you’re in trouble” calls, the district emphasizes partnership with families: checking in, asking about barriers (transportation, health, scheduling), and connecting them to resources.
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School teams collaborate with parents to problem-solve, rather than punish.
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Community & Resource Connections
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Events like Community Connections and partnerships with organizations (Pullman Kiwanis, CHAS Health, WSU, local churches, etc.) help families with wraparound needs—whether that’s medical care, school supplies, or food stability.
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This community support is key because many absences are tied to challenges outside the classroom.
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Student Engagement Strategies
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Pullman Public Schools emphasizes belonging and connection—sports, clubs, assemblies, and positive school climates—so students want to come.
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Staff PLCs and initiatives like the DEIB Task Force support culturally responsive practices that build inclusion.
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