Ridley School District's goal is to ensure that every student attends school regularly. Showing up for school has an enormous impact on a student's success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. If a student misses school, they not only miss out on academics but many social and life opportunities. The Ridley staff realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances but when students miss too much school, regardless of the reason, it can cause them to fall behind academically and disrupt their lives.
Absences can add up quickly. A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month. Chronically absent student can fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time. To help support regular attendance:
- Make sure your child keeps a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Ensure your child goes to school every day unless they are truly sick. Call the school nurse if you are uncertain.
- Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor's appointments when school is in session.
- Talk to teachers or the counselor for advice if your child feels anxious about going to school.
- Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.
As a reminder, if your child will be absent from school, district policy requires that you call your child's school attendance line by 9AM to report the absence. When returning from an absence, your child should bring a signed note explaining the absence.
If your child is out for 3 or more consecutive absences a doctor's note is required. After student accumulates 10 absences ( excused or unexcused), a doctor's note is required for each absence following.
Each School will notify a parent/guardian of the third unlawful absence. Following the third unlawful absence, the school will coordinate an Attendance Improvement (AIP) meeting. An A.I.P meeting is scheduled to create solutions to increase the student's attendance and offer services and support to the family. A fourth unlawful absence and all future unlawful absences can result in a referral to the District Magistrate and/or Children and Youth Services. Ridley elementary and secondary schools will collaborate with families to ensure student's success. If you have any questions or need more information please contact your child's teacher, the counselor, the social worker, or principal.