Dear Parents and Guardians
A Partnership in Attendance
We hope this message finds you well. As partners in your child's education, we want to
emphasize the critical importance of regular school attendance and its direct impact on academic success.
Daily attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student achievement. When students miss school,
they miss valuable instruction, classroom discussions, guided practice, and peer collaboration that cannot
be fully replicated through make-up work. Even a few absences each month can lead to a significant loss of
learning over time. This loss of instructional time can affect skill development, confidence, and overall
academic performance.
In accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes 15-803, every child between the ages
of 6 and 16 is required to attend school regularly. The law outlines the responsibility of parents and
guardians to ensure consistent attendance. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, can interfere
with academic progress and may require school intervention.
In addition to the academic impact, poor attendance can also adversely affect school funding. Arizona
public school funding is directly tied to student attendance through Average Daily Membership (ADM). When
students are absent, schools receive less funding to support instructional programs, student services,
classroom resources, and extracurricular opportunities. Consistent attendance not only benefits your
child's learning but also helps ensure that our schools have the resources necessary to serve all students
effectively.
We understand that illnesses, family emergencies, and other circumstances can arise. Our goal is not only
to uphold state law, but to work in partnership with you to support your child's success. If your family
is experiencing challenges that make regular attendance difficult, please contact your child's school
office, counselor, or principal. We are committed to collaborating with you to identify solutions and
provide available support.
Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and
emotionally. Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to your child's education.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michelle Poppen
Superintendent