School attendance is crucial for a child's academic development and overall success in life. Regular attendance allows students to actively participate in lessons, engage with their teachers, and collaborate with peers, all of which are essential for learning. It also helps them grasp foundational concepts in subjects like math, science, and literacy, which build upon each other over time. Missing school can lead to gaps in knowledge that may be difficult to overcome, potentially affecting a student's performance on exams and their ability to pursue higher education or career opportunities.
Beyond academics, consistent school attendance fosters social and emotional growth. Schools provide a structured environment where children learn important life skills such as time management, responsibility, and teamwork. Interacting with classmates and teachers also helps students develop communication and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, regular attendance encourages a sense of belonging, helping students feel connected to their school community, which can positively impact their mental well-being and motivation to succeed.
Fairmount Elementary School students are engaged in a September classroom attendance contest to increase student attendance. The contest was designed by Ms. Marquita Roberts, our Community in Schools Coordinator. Each day that a homeroom class has perfect attendance, the class receives a letter to fill in on their Missing Matters banner. The class who spells “Missing Matters” first or the class who has the most letters at the end of September wins a class pizza party.