Principal’s message
Well it’s been a little bit of a wet start back after our break with the snow and all the rain though it hasn’t stopped all the great learning that has been happening. Something I would really like to pay some close attention to in the second half of our school year, is attendance.
Attendance is the most important factor in determining success for your child. For each day absent, a child misses both academic and social opportunities for growth. In numbers, the average Northridge student has been absent about 4 ½ days in the first 90 days of school. A student with 10 days absent has missed over 10% of school or the equivalent of two weeks. Learning at school is a process that happens in real time. While teachers attempt to help students make up for some lost work, this additional ‘catch-up’ work is stressful for students. Nothing can replace the experience of learning in class with a well-crafted lesson designed to support all students. I am not advocating that students attend at all cost.
When your child is sick they need to stay home for their sake and for the benefit of the rest of the class. There is nothing more miserable than been sick at school. What I am saying is that regular, punctual attendance benefits your child in so many ways that attendance cannot be taken for granted.
If you have any questions about this or any other subject at Northridge please feel free to contact me.