Dear Families,
As we approach the busy holiday season, we want to remind you of the importance of regular school attendance. We know this time of year brings many celebrations, family gatherings, and traditions and we also know that every day your child is in school matters for their learning.
The weeks before and after holiday breaks are especially important learning times. Teachers are wrapping up key concepts before breaks and introducing new material afterward. When students miss these days, they can fall behind and struggle to catch up in January. Remember, missing just two days a month, even for seemingly good reasons, can impact your child's progress in reading and math.
We have several breaks built into our calendar specifically for family time and rest:
November 11 - Veteran's Day (No School)
November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break
December 24 - January 2, 2026 - Holiday Break
These breaks provide wonderful opportunities for family trips, celebrations, and quality time together without missing instruction. We encourage you to plan special activities and travel during these scheduled days off rather than extending breaks by keeping students home before or after.
Tips for supporting attendance through the Holiday Season:
Keep regular bedtimes even during exciting times—school-age children still need 9-11 hours of sleep
Maintain morning routines to ensure on-time arrival
Prepare for the next day the evening before, even when schedules are busy
Continue healthy habits like daily breakfast and handwashing to prevent illness
The winter months often bring colds and flu. Please keep your child home when they are truly sick with a fever, vomiting, or other contagious illness. However, if your child has minor sniffles but is feeling well enough to participate, sending them to school helps them stay on track. Our school nurse is always available if you're unsure whether your child should attend.
If you're facing challenges with attendance, please reach out to school staff. Thank you for your partnership in making every day count!
Warmly,
Steve Bussiere
Assistant Superintendent