Holiday messaging to help schools maintain regular student attendance

11/13/2023

Attendance at school matters every day for every student, and there is a strong correlation between attendance and reading on grade level, on-time graduation and future success.
The holiday season typically brings with it concerns about school attendance. Schools and districts can be proactive by communicating early and often with families about dates and expectations. Attendance Works provides ideas and templates to help with communication. Some examples are:

• Reminding students and families about dates for holiday breaks and when school resumes.
• Using text messaging to send reminders.
• Providing contact information for organizations that can support families if they need help during school closures.
• Planning celebratory events after each holiday break to welcome back staff and students.
• Additional information and resources can be found on the Department’s Attendance Support website.

Please direct questions to attendance@education.ohio.gov or (614) 387-2202. Office hours are held weekly on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m., at this link.