Sept. 3, 2024
Sept. 3, 2024
At DPS, it is our collective responsibility as leaders, educators, families and community members that our students not only succeed, but thrive. One critical component of ensuring our students’ success is identifying and removing barriers that keep our students from coming to school each day. When students are not at school, they not only miss out on valuable learning opportunities for the time they were absent, but they can experience long-term impacts that hinder their development in reading by third grade, achieving in middle school and graduating from high school.
One student’s absence also affects their peers and teacher as classroom instruction includes small group learning activities. For each student who is absent, teachers need to adjust plans, gather materials for make-up work and follow up to get each student caught up. Chronic absence is missing 10% or more of school days due to absence for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences and suspensions. Missing 10% of school is approximately the equivalent of missing 2 days per month.
Since the pandemic, attendance rates have continued to improve. Although we are on the right track, our goal is to get attendance levels back to pre-pandemic levels by the 2025-26 school year.
Join the FACE University Virtual Session on Thursday, Sept. 12
The FACE University Learning Hub provides tips, tools and training to the DPS community. RSVP for the virtual session on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5-6 p.m. to learn tips, tools and facts that support getting students to school every day. Visit the FACE University Family Learning Hub webpage for more information.
How Sick is Too Sick?
At the start of the school year and when returning from breaks, it’s common for students (and staff) to come down with colds. The “Why Attendance Matters in DPS” flyer and the Attendance webpage provide guidance on when to keep children home if they aren’t feeling their best and when to send them to school. The flyer is available in English/Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Amharic, Chinese, French, Nepali and Somali (Dari translation is in process and will be available in this folder.)
If your child cannot come to school, please either call the school’s front office or submit an online absence by following the steps in this guide. The guide is also available in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Amharic, French, Nepali, Somali and Dari.
Building Good Habits Video
This short video shares tips on how to build good habits and routines that promote good school attendance for all ages. Access this folder to watch the video in your language.
Printable Handouts by Age Group
These printable handouts created by Attendance Works provide steps families can take to help set consistent, age appropriate routines that lead to good attendance. Each handout is intended for a specific age group and is available in multiple languages.
Planning Ahead with Calendars
Access the 2024-25 school year calendar to plan appointments and vacations around important days to ensure your child does not miss valuable learning time.
The Colorado Department of Education has also provided printable calendars to aid families and students in keeping track of all the days they attend school. These calendars are available in English and Spanish.
District Support
We care about our students and want to see them each day. If your child is experiencing obstacles that keep them from attending school, reach out to the school directly or to any of the departments listed below.
Mental Health Services: Call 720-423-2645 or email meredith_fatseas@dpsk12.net.
Family and Community Engagement (FACE): Call 720-423-3054 or email FACEHelpline@dpsk12.org.
Multilingual Education: 720-423-2040 or email dps_mle.groups@dpsk12.org.
Climate and Safety: Call 720-423-3911.