Attendance Works notes that absences usually spike around the holidays. Students want to extend their vacation time – and it can be easy for parents to take off an extra day or two. Despite this, students and parents can be encouraged to continue making attendance a priority near holiday breaks.

Here are suggestions for encouraging consistent attendance during the holidays:

Focus on “Why” Messaging: Simple messaging that emphasizes the why of attendance helps students understand the importance of coming to school consistently. “Always talk about attendance goals with the end in mind. Why do they need to be in school? Lead with the why.” said UChicago Consortium on School Research Executive Director Dr. Elaine Allensworth at the Be Present S.C. summit. 

“Why” Messaging can include the following: 

• Attendance Improves Academic Success: Students with consistent attendance are more likely to have higher academic achievement.
• Attendance Improves High School Outcomes: Frequent absences from as far back as elementary school can negatively impact high school outcomes such as graduating on time.
• Attendance Keeps you Connected: Don’t miss out! A big attendance motivation for students – especially middle-school aged students – is social interaction. 

Use-Holiday Specific Messaging: Clearly communicate with students and parents, letting them know the specific days that they need to be in school leading to/right after Thanksgiving. Attendance Works provides a Thanksgiving themed template to use to help communicate with parents.

Finally, be sure to check out the Be Present S.C. Resource Library for resources that can be used to prioritize attendance during the holiday season.