As the weather conditions improve we start to think about spring turning to summer and the end of the school year.  However, one of the most common difficulties we face as educators during this time of year is school attendance.  As we approach this time of the year, we ask you to please help us ensure that our students remain in school and remain focused on learning.  One of the most important ingredients for “highest student achievement” is consistent school attendance.  Parents, teachers and administrators all recognize that good attendance is a vital part of any successful educational experience and correlates directly with success both inside and outside the classroom.  

Good attendance coupled with punctuality is behavior that needs to be reinforced and modeled by parents.  Please let your children know how important school is to their future success. In partnership with the school and community we ask you to ensure your children attend school daily, complete the necessary academic requirements, and partake in community activities.  

While in school we want to remind students, regardless of their age, that they are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the educational opportunities of others or disturb the orderly operation of the school. Students are responsible for regular attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, properly maintaining textbooks and other school equipment, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Students also have a responsibility to notify school staff of behavior that may endanger the safety and well-being of others.  Helping our students take responsibility for their learning and attendance will help them become responsible citizens and productive employees later in life.

Please support your children’s teachers and our administrators by stressing the importance of regular attendance, punctuality, and consideration for others. If everyone does their part, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam students will be assured a place in tomorrow’s global workforce.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam