Attendance Matters
Attendance Matters: Every School Day Counts
Every school day offers opportunities to learn, build friendships and stay connected. Hicksville Public Schools is committed to partnering with families to build strong attendance habits and help every student succeed.
Attendance is also an important measure in New York State’s school accountability system under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Our district’s attendance policy supports this commitment by monitoring attendance patterns, reducing unexcused absences and providing interventions when students need additional support.
We understand that illness, family circumstances and other challenges can affect attendance. The resources below offer practical guidance for establishing daily routines, supporting student health, reducing missed school days during travel and returning after an extended absence.
If your child is experiencing attendance challenges or you anticipate an extended absence, please contact your child’s school. Together, we can help students stay connected, supported and ready to learn.
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Missing a day of school here and there may not seem like much, but the absences add up!
When a student misses 2 days a month...
They will miss 20 DAYS a year.
They will miss 30 HOURS of math over the school year.
They will miss 60 HOURS of reading and writing over the school year.
They will miss over 1 YEAR of school by graduation.When a student misses 4 days a month...
They will miss 40 DAYS a year.
They will miss 60 HOURS of math.
They will miss 120 HOURS of reading & writing.
They will miss over 2 YEARS of school by graduation.10 Facts About School Attendance
- Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.
- Over 7 million U.S. students (1 in 7) miss nearly a month of school each year.
- Absenteeism and its ill effects start early. One in 10 kindergarten and first grade students are chronically absent.
- Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back.
- By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
- Research shows that missing 10 percent of school days, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence.
- Students who live in communities with high levels of poverty are four times more likely to be chronically absent than others often for reasons beyond their control, such as unstable housing, unreliable transportation and a lack of access to health care.
- When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.
- Attendance improves when schools engage students and parents in positive ways and when schools provide mentors for chronically absent students.
- Most school districts and states don’t look at all the right data to improve school attendance. They track how many students show up every day and how many are skipping school without an excuse, but not how many are missing so many days in excused and unexcused absence that they are headed off track academically.
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How to Track Your Child’s Attendance
Parents can view their child's attendance on the Parent Portal by logging into PowerSchool. -
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If your child is sick and you’re unsure whether they should stay home or return to school, contact your school nurse. They can explain your school’s illness and return guidelines.
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Whether you have questions about attendance, need support, or require additional resources, don't hesitate to reach out. Visit your school’s Staff Directory for contact information.
Family Partnership Program
With the Family Partnership Program, you'll find valuable information about your school, community, and available services—all with the compassionate support of someone who truly cares about you and your family.
Our Family Partnership Specialist is a dedicated advocate with the knowledge and experience to support your family. Committed to building a strong relationship, they are here to guide and assist you throughout your time in the district.
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NYSED Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Attendance Information
Information on how attendance contributes to school accountability and student success under ESSA.NYSED Office of Student Support Services
Resources on school counseling, mental health, and attendance improvement.NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) – Family Resources
Support for child well-being, family stability, and community engagement.NYS Office of Mental Health – School-Based Resources
Programs and partnerships to support student mental health and reduce attendance barriers.New York State PTA – Family Engagement & Attendance Resources
Parent-led support for improving attendance and student engagement.
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Keep your child home when they’re sick. If you’re unsure when they’re ready to return, contact your school nurse. -
A regular bedtime, a backpack packed the night before and a backup plan for getting to school can make mornings easier. -
Check attendance and grades together. If getting to school regularly is a challenge, reach out to a teacher or counselor.
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If your child will miss school for an extended family trip, contact the school as soon as you know the dates. Ask what support is available when your child returns. -
When travel is necessary, see if you can adjust your departure or return date so your child misses fewer school days. -
Confirm your child’s return date with the school. Ask their teacher or counselor what to focus on first and ease back into regular bedtime and morning routines.
