MSHS Counseling Newsletter
11/26/19
Vacation Time vs. School Time
As you are planning your family’s vacations for the holiday season and spring break, consider the impact the absence will have on your student.
Research indicates chronic absence affects high school graduation rates and the chances for success in college. We understand there is value in a family vacation, both the enrichment that children experience in new places as well as the special time spent with family.
However, psychologist Sara Dimerman, suggests considering the acronym
FLAG when contemplating whether to take a child out of school to travel as well as determining the duration of the trip:
Frequency: Is this absence a rare treat or a regular annual event?
Length: How long will your child be out of school? A few days may be reasonable for some children, but for others, the loss of those same days could set them up for long-term struggle. Per District Policy 5200.1, students are permitted up to 5 excused absences for personal or family vacation per academic year on top of already established seasonal breaks.
Ability: Will your child be overwhelmed by the missed instruction? Does your child tend to get anxious or upset by situations like this? Take your child’s temperament and ability into account.
Grade: Students in high school have larger workloads than they did in elementary school and middle school. Keep in mind you are fostering their mindset for college and workforce expectations.
For more information on chronic absenteeism and/or attendance, feel free to contact me. You can reach me by phone at (402) 715-8473 or e-mail me at mjkneifl@mpsomaha.org.
Respectfully,
Mindy Kneifl, PCMSW, PLMHP
School Social Worker
Youth Advisory Council
Are you interested in suicide prevention and mental health awareness? We are looking for local high school and college students to provide input & help direct our suicide prevention and mental health initiatives.
When: Sunday, December 8th 2019
Time: 1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Where: C&A Industries (Second Floor)
13609 California St. Omaha, NE 68154
*food will be provided*
To RSVP & join the Advisory Council, contact Katie at kzimmerman@thekimfoundation.org