• Dont underestimate the harm of school absences!

    Missing just two days a month of school - for any reason - can be a problem for kids in a number of ways.  Being chronically absent is strongly associated with failing at school - even more than low grades or test scores. When absences add up, these students are more likely to be suspended or drop out. 

    Truancy:

    • According to the U.S. Department of Labor in 2012 - High school dropouts are 72% more likely to be unemployed as compared to high school graduates.
    • According to Northeastern University 2009 research - incarceration rates were 63 times higher among dropouts between the ages of 16 & 24 than among college graduates.
    • According to the National Center for Statistics Report 2015 - Arizona's graduation rate is 75.14% and the national graduation rate is 81%.
    • Truancy can affect the student, family, and community.
    • Arizona has Diversion Programs available with counselors, parenting classes, support groups, and information to help families cope with truancy.
    • It is illegal to be truant from the age of 6 - 16 during the hours school is in session - without any of the exceptions outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes, regardless of what grades have been completed.

    Please feel free to contact me, the school counselor, or the social worker here at BGHS if you are having this issue.

    10 tips to help get your child to school on time, every day!

    1. Set attendance goals with your child to track your child's attendance on a calendar.
    2. Help your child get a good night's sleep.
    3. Prep the night before to streamline your morning.
    4. Try to schedule dental or medical appointments before or after school hours.
    5. Schedule extended trips during school breaks.
    6. Don't have your child stay home unless they are truly sick.
    7. Talk with your child about the reasons why they do not want to go to school.
    8. If your child has a chronic health issue, talk with your doctor about developing a school action plan.
    9. Follow the rules.
    10. Keep track of your child's attendance so you know when the days missed start to add up.

    (American Academy of Pediatrics 2019)

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