September is recognized as Attendance Awareness Month for schools across the country. Attendance is a critical component of success at University View Academy (UVA), especially in the virtual learning environment. At UVA, a team of dedicated professionals in student attendance and engagement seeks to develop and reinforce good attendance habits for both students and families.
Research from Attendance Works shows that when students are chronically absent, they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school, and graduate from high school. UVA’s attendance team works to emphasize good attendance as early as possible, citing that academic discipline often leads to discipline in the workforce. “If the expectation of good attendance isn’t established early, then the student doesn’t have a ‘why’ to succeed,” said Beth Williams, UVA attendance specialist. “They don’t make the connection between their education and their career. Doing your work is for your benefit. ”
UVA’s attendance team is aware of the obstacles that often complicate student attendance. The team works with families on an individual basis and helps them find the needed assistance. Assistance could include initiating conversations with the student’s advisory teacher, connecting them with UVA’s character education counselor, or researching available resources in the student’s community. Research from Attendance Works supports this approach, demonstrating that students are more likely to attend school if they feel that the school cares about them and their well-being.
How can everyone take part in Attendance Awareness Month? According to Deborah Facey, UVA’s attendance coordinator, the key is simply staying involved with students’ education and their schedules. “Learning coaches are encouraged to be constantly aware of where their child stands with attendance and grades,” Facey said. “They should stay actively engaged with supporting their child’s attendance even if they’re a senior in high school.”
A core component to UVA’s learning model is the idea that students prosper when their parents and guardians take an active role in the educational experience. As a virtual school, UVA defines attendance according to a student’s activity in Canvas, UVA’s learning management system, on a weekly basis. UVA’s attendance policy was designed to offer families more flexibility with their schedules while also maintaining accountability. Check out a tutorial video on how to verify attendance at UVA here.
UVA’s attendance team offers this family checklist to help cultivate the habit of good attendance:
- Create a daily schedule. Setting aside a specific amount of time daily for schoolwork can make assignment completion quicker and easier.
- Maintain an appropriate workstation. Simply having an organized, designated desk or place to complete schoolwork can help lessen distractions and make submitting assignments easier.
- Review the student handbook annually. The student handbook is important for both new and returning families. It clearly defines attendance expectations and the resources available to help.
You can learn more about the 2025 Attendance Awareness Month campaign initiatives by visiting www.AttendanceWorks.org.