Third grade was a tough year for me. It was full of events that left a lasting impact. One significant event was when the Jefferson Parish Teachers Union decided to strike for better wages for all employees. At first the picket line was quiet, however, as the strike wore on, the picket line became more active. Many parents, like my own, decided to keep their children home until negotiations were completed. During my time at home, I became a fan of The Young and the Restless. I couldn’t wait to see if the citizens of Genoa City would discover Ms. Chancellor was not dead but in fact sitting in her own funeral.
When the time came to return to school, I had a stomach virus. It lasted a few days and then went away. I was not ready to return to school, so I faked being sick. One day I slipped and shared my excitement about a Y & R episode with one of my sisters and she told my mom. She was not happy and sent me back to school the next day. Although I was unhappy at the time, I am grateful she understood the power of an education. Unfortunately, the damage was already done. I had missed days of instruction on basic math that would lay the foundation for future math standards. I struggled in math each year until I graduated high school.
Attendance in school is vital to a student’s success. Each year research is released on how poor attendance has a negative impact on student achievement. Here are just a few statistics. Students who attend school daily are less likely to drop out of high school. Kindergarten and first grade students who are chronically absent (2 days a month) have an 81% chance of reading below grade level. In fourth grade, chronically absent students score an average of 12 points lower than their peer on National Assessment of Educational Progress. By sixth grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out. (Attendance and Academic Performance)
We understand the transition from virtual learning to in-person learning has been challenging. To encourage students to attend we have put incentives in place and planned several activities. Each month we will recognize students who have arrived on time every day. At the end of the quarter, we will recognize students with perfect attendance with a special celebration. We need you as our partners to assist us. Here’s how you can help
- Create nighttime routines that lead to seven to eight hours of rest. Students who are well rested arrive to school alert and ready to learn.
- Set an alarm that allows at least 45 minutes to get ready for the day. This will help eliminate the feeling of being rushed and lessen the anxiety of being late.
- Prepare the night before. Pack lunch, layout uniforms, and pack the backpack. This will help save time and eliminate the frustration of trying to locate items in the morning.
- Set goals and create incentives. Each night your child goes to bed early give them 10 extra minutes of screen time.
I hope these suggestions are helpful and help to improve your daily school routine.
As always, thank you for partnering with us in educating your child.
Cheryl L. Martin | Executive Director
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
― James Baldwin
Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish
Address: 979 Behrman Hwy | Terrytown, LA 70056
Website: www.athlosjp.org | Email: cmartin@athlosjp.org
School Phone: (504) 290-2510 | Fax: (504) 290-2511