Chronic absenteeism or missing at least 10 percent of school days in a school year for any reason, excused or unexcused—is a primary cause of low academic achievement and a powerful predictor of students who may eventually drop out of school. • The pandemic has negatively affected academic growth, widening pre-existing disparities. In core subjects like math and reading, there are worrisome signs that in some grades students might be falling even further behind pre-pandemic expectations

Sporadic, not just consecutive, absences matter. Before too long – just one or two days a month can add up to nearly 10 percent of the school year and too much time lost learning. Therefore, try to avoid unnecessary absences. • Attendance is the number one predictor of dropout and graduation rates. • The importance of strong attendance habits begins the moment your student enters school and follows them throughout their educational lives.