Skipping school is a problem that exists across the globe and seems to be worsening in recent years. This may be because kids would rather do something entertaining than go to school and get bored in a class. More than eight million students are missing school so much that their academic records have been affected. Many times, the students don’t even realize how bad the problem is till they are given a warning. By that time, it’s too late. Students are also falling into the phase of chronic absences. This means they are missing 10% or more of their school days.

To help reverse the trend, September is ”National School Attendance Awareness Month.” The Attendance Awareness Campaign was first celebrated in September 2013. The goal of the campaign is to reduce chronic absence and has over 97 national organizations working in partnership to spread the message.

According to another research, children living in poverty are two to three times more likely to be chronically absent. The worst part? School is the last chance for these individuals to make it and break the circle of poverty. Sadly, students at a young age often fail to realize the consequences of their actions and continue to make excuses to stay out of school. However, often school is missed due to illnesses and transport issues. Hence, it is up to the parents and guardians to ensure effective measures are taken to ensure there are no hurdles in the child’s path.

Four ways that parents or guardians can encourage students to have good attendance is to:

• Let your child know how absence affects their school dropout rate.

• Reward students’ efforts rather than outcomes

• Help students link school to their long-term goals.

• Become familiar with coping skills for stress, including breathing exercises and writing their thoughts down in a journal.

“Unfortunately, chronic absentee rates remain at an all-time high,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “Attendance Awareness Month is an opportunity to start the school year with information and resources that support local educational agency and school site efforts to successfully engage students.”

“School attendance is a serious issue – one that concerns educators and should concern all of us,” said Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools Scott Kuykendall. “Regular attendance is not just about meeting the required number of days at school; it plays a pivotal role in a student’s overall development and academic success.”

The main message for students will include “Miss School – Miss Out.”

• When students miss school, they miss access to resources and support services;

 • If students aren’t in school, they miss out on learning;

• If they don’t learn, they won’t graduate;

• If they don’t graduate, their chances for success are limited;

• Missed school days can significantly impact a child’s learning and overall health.

• Missing two days a month — excused or unexcused — can add up to a child being considered chronically absent.

• Students who miss nine or more days of school each year may not be on track to graduate.

• If a student has a doctor or dentist appointment during the day, parents are asked to have their children attend the rest of the day. This reinforces the importance of going to school and attending classes.

• Schools lose revenue when students don’t attend.

Education pays off in terms of a meaningful future and success in the workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce survey, a high school dropout can expect to make $32,500 a year and a high school graduate $39,700. Those with an associate degree from a college can expect to make $45,000 and a Bachelor’s degree $61,600.

Information and resources for parents, teachers, and students are available at the following website: www.stancoe.org/attendance-matte