Student success starts with good attendance and is the shared responsibility of the student, family, and school.  The U.S. Department of Education reports that for every missed day of school, it takes a student two days to catch up since he/she must make up missed learning and catch up with new learning at the same time. 

Parents can help their children be successful by encouraging regular attendance. Regular attendance has been linked to higher achievement, stronger bonds to the school and community, lower rates of delinquent and high risk behavior, and increased participation in higher education. 

Parents have a vital role in ensuring and promoting regular attendance at school. Regular attendance is necessary for success in school, and as a parent you are the key person who can make a difference. The earlier a student sets a pattern of going to school, the better they will do throughout their school career.  Students who attend regularly are the least likely to drop out of school. 

We ask you support our efforts to increase attendance by making a conscientious effort to:  

• Attendance and academic achievement are cooperative responsibilities between the student, family and school.

• Approximately 90% of our district general purpose revenue is derived from student attendance.

• Schools do not receive funding when a student is absent-excused or otherwise.  When a student attends a portion of the school day he/she gains valuable instructional time and the district is eligible to collect attendance funding.

• On the average day, SJUSD loses approximately $78,500 due to student absences. 

• Increase A.D.A. of 1% district-wide = an additional $2,430,688 in revenue.

• Education pays off in terms of a meaningful future and success in the workforce.