Dear Families,
Attending school regularly plays a pivotal role in children’s academic and social development. They engage in meaningful learning experiences and build strong relationships with teachers and peers. Additionally, being present daily fosters a sense of routine and helps establish habits that will serve them well throughout their educational journey.
Our daily attendance in Kindergarten and 1st grade is the lowest. Only 77% of our Kindergarteners and 80% of 1st graders were at school yesterday! It is especially important that children in Kindergarten and 1st grade are at school every day. These years serve as a crucial foundation for your child’s educational journey. Here are a few reasons why Kindergarten/1st grade attendance is so significant:
1. **Building Fundamental Skills:** This is a time when children acquire essential skills such as letter/sound recognition, counting, and early literacy. Regular attendance ensures that your child has consistent exposure to these foundational concepts.
2. **Social and Emotional Growth:** Children learn to navigate social interactions, develop friendships, and express themselves. Attending school regularly allows your child to build these important social and emotional skills in a supportive and structured environment.
3. **Establishing Routine and Responsibility:** Consistent attendance helps children establish a routine and a sense of responsibility, which is critical to feeling safe and confident.
4. **Teacher-Student Connection:** Regular attendance allows our dedicated teachers to form strong connections with your child. These connections are essential for understanding each child’s unique learning style and supporting their growth.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and absences are sometimes unavoidable. However, we encourage families to prioritize attendance whenever possible. If your child cannot attend school, please notify us promptly by calling the office or emailing attendanceteam@tnsny.org, and we will work together to support their continued learning. Remember that you will still receive the automated correspondence from the DOE about your child’s absence.
If your child tests positive for COVID, please contact the office and your child’s teacher(s) to let them know as soon as possible. It is helpful to let us know which day they tested positive so that we all know when they should return to school. Remember, the first day you test positive or have symptoms is Day 0. Children can return to school on Day 6 and wear masks until Day 11. If you send them to school without a mask, the school will provide one that must be worn throughout the day. Please help us minimize the spread.
Warmly,
Dyanthe and Shaquawn