Week #9- October 14, 2024
I include information about attendance each week and I am sure this raises the question “Why does he talk about attendance all the time?” In this week’s parent & family update, I want to provide some additional information that may help you understand the “why”.
Consistent attendance at school is very important for many reasons, not the least of which is to ensure student learning. The academic expectations, set primarily by the Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning, are much more aggressive than they were twelve to fifteen years ago. This is particularly true for the younger grades. The result is a quicker pace of instruction than what you experienced in your own school years. It is very difficult to “make up” a full day of learning when a student misses. The burden on teachers and the additional stress on a student when trying to move ahead while at the same time catch up with what was missed, can actually perpetuate school struggles, anxiety and even encourage additional absences.
When students struggle and do not meet benchmarks, then they are identified for remediation. The “system” can become overloaded when the need for remediation exceeds the capacity (staffing primarily) to meet the need. In addition, there is the question of when to provide remediation. If students are pulled from class to help them catch up, then they are missing valuable class time and potentially missing new material. The MES schedule has some built in time for remediation which helps with this struggle, but it does have limitations.
The year prior to schools being shut down due to COVID-19 MES had a chronic absentee rate of 4.8%. The year before I arrived at MES, the chronic absentee rate was 18.6%. Last year, with your help, the rate was reduced to just under 9% (21 students). An informal goal for me is to work to return this rate to the levels prior to 2020. MES students have a more positive and productive school experience if this is achieved. I appreciate your support in this effort.
Tuesday, October 15, will kick off a Twelve-Day Attendance Challenge. All students attending the twelve scheduled school days between October 15 and October 31 will receive a coupon for free ice cream with their lunch (substitute snacks provided as needed). In addition, each student will be entered into drawings for additional prizes. Coupons and prizes will be awarded the week of November 4 when students return following election day.
I am passionate about student learning and could write, or talk, much more about the topic of attendance or learning in general. If you have thoughts or questions related to, or in addition to, what I have shared here, please reach out to me. I welcome the feedback, perspectives and suggestions.
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
MES is a collection point for a local Toy Drive to support victims of Hurricane Helene in the western North Carolina region. Flyer
MES Theme and Spirit Days 2024-2025- Friday, Oct. 18 is Pink Out Day
RCPS Announcement: All elementary and middle school students attending athletic events, including Friday night football games, must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Students are not to be dropped off at games and picked up after the event.
MES Library Information: Library Catalog Tutorial explains how families can access the MES Library Catalog and how to use the search, history and hold features of the catalog. Learn more at the MES Library Website.
Attendance Tip: If your child has already missed multiple days of school this year, I suggest keeping track of the days. This can be done through a home calendar, but PowerSchool is also a helpful tool. If you need assistance accessing or navigating PowerSchool, please contact the school office.
Parent & Family Resources & Information:
Activities & Events at MES:
No School For Students/ RCPS Staff Development Day- October 14
Pink Out Day- October 18
MES PTO Coin Wars- October 21-November 1
Faculty Meeting- October 21
MES PTO Trunk or Treat- October 24
Picture Make-Ups- October 24
No School for Students- October 25
Book Character Day- October 31
Parent/Teacher Conference Day (Elementary)- November 4 (No School for Students)
Teacher Inservice Day (Elementary)- November 5 (No School for Students)
Veterans Day Assembly- November 8 (9 AM)
Red, White & Blue Day- November 11