Preparing for Holiday Breaks

November 2024 

HAPPY NOVEMBER! 

Can you believe the first quarter of school is finished? We have survived the election and can now focus on the upcoming holidays. Holidays bring a mix of emotions, time with family, good food, and breaks from school. We are going to talk a little about the importance of school attendance and provide some tips to get your child(ren) back to school after break.  

 Some parents look at their child’s school attendance and maybe it doesn’t seem so bad, but did you know that a child who misses 10% or more school days in a given school year is considered chronically absent? You can calculate your child’s percentage by dividing the total # of absences by the total # of school days that year. For example, in our district we have had 45 school days thus far. Let’s say my child was absent 4 days. I divide 4/45 = .88 or 88% present. That means my child has missed 100%-88% = 12% of school and is considered chronically absent.  

 Is that really a big deal? The research says yes, it is a problem. Researchers have found that attendance matters. Students who miss school have a higher likelihood of dropping out of school; they are also more likely to have low academic success when compared to their peers. There are missed opportunities to build friendships, become active in the community, and to pursue their career interests. The research links chronic absenteeism and health disparities as well.  

 Did you know that missing 2-4 days in September predicts poor attendance throughout the school year? Many students will end up missing nearly a month of school by the end of the school year. Be sure to help your child attend school by being prepared and asking for help. 

 The holidays are advertised as a joyous occasion with loved ones and hopefully you will enjoy time with family and friends this season. But the holidays also mean extended time at home and more time off from school. Children quickly get out of their daily habits and find enjoyment in their preferred activities. Heading back to school can seem daunting and may produce unwanted distress for the child and family.  

 Be prepared this season for the return to normal routines:   

1. Return to regular sleep patterns prior to the first day back to school. A regular sleep routine provides quality and consistent sleep, essential for learning. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night.  

1. Provide a visual countdown so the end of break is anticipated versus ending abruptly.  

1. It may help to discuss the new year and plan for changes. For many middle and high schoolers, schedules change at the end of second quarter. Find things to look forward to. 

1. Celebrate their successful return to the normal routine of school. Plan a family dinner, movie, game night, or other special opportunity to reward your child. 

1. Check the school supplies and replace items lost or damaged. Being prepared will help your child feel ready for school. 

1. The night before school, prepare by picking out clothes to wear, organizing the backpack, making the lunch, and setting the alarm clock. Go over the morning routine. Think about bathroom schedules, hygiene needs, and other important aspects of your morning. Being prepared for the day will significantly help ease the morning.  

1. It is okay to not be okay. Remember to take a supportive role. Acknowledge your child’s feelings about returning to school and then state your belief in his/her ability to do the hard work of going back. Something like, “You seem very (angry, annoyed, scared) and I understand how you’re feeling, but I know that you can work through this and make it to school.” Reiterate your expectations for school attendance.  

1. Review the appropriate times to keep a child home from school. This guide helps parents and caregivers decide when to send a child to school and when to keep a child home. Remember that anxiety does manifest itself in our physical bodies. Symptoms are real, but remaining home only makes the symptoms worse. To help your child with the symptoms of anxiety, send the child to school. By doing so, the child learns to manage anxiety instead of allowing anxiety to rule. 

 The initial months of the school year are important in establishing routines and expectations. The holidays are a time when families can look forward to a more relaxed schedule. With a little preparation and persistence, good routines can be re-established prior to the end of any breaks. 

 Resources for the information contained in this blog: https://www.aft.org/childrens-health-safety-and-well-being/childrens-access-care/chronic-absenteeism 

https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/attendancedata/chapter1a.asp  

https://www.attendanceworks.org/chronic-absence/the-problem/10-facts-about-school-attendance/   

https://www.parents.com/transitioning-back-to-school-after-winter-break-6828862 

https://health.choc.org/post-holiday-blues-depression-and-returning-from-winter-break/ 

https://www.iu13.org/students-families/special-ed/support-services/attend-program/ 

https://www.primroseschools.com/stories-resources/for-families/getting-children-back-into-the-routine-after-the-holidays  

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/6-tips-for-sending-kids-back-to-school-after-breaks  

https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/supporting-your-mental-health-during-holiday-season