Prestwick STEM Academy
Prestwick Profile - Community Vol. 6 September 3
Transportation Changes Tips
We track these changes daily and make personal notification to teachers at the end of the day. Our teachers are not always able to check email if they are teaching so again this ensures everyone who needs to know can be notified. We also work to not make changes to a child's transportation when notified by a student - we want to be sure to get this notice from parents.
Thank you so much!
Your Prestwick Team
September is Attendance Awareness Month
Missing a Lot of School Could Have Long Term Impacts
If your child is chronically absent from school, or even if you think nothing of taking them out for a few days so your family can enjoy a vacation during non-peak times, they may feel the effects of those missed school days throughout their education, a new study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics states.
The study, titled The Link Between School Attendance and Good Health states that more than 6.5 million children in the U.S. miss more than 15 days of school annually. The study does state that that number varies among state and that socioeconomic factors definitely have an impact on school absence, but the effects of those absences put children at "risk for poor school performance and school dropout," which can have long term effects.
"As early as kindergarten, missing more school affects things like third-grade reading scores, third-grade math scores," Dr. Mandy Allison, one of the authors the study said, the CBC reports. "What we also know is that missing school in younger grades leads to missing school in older grades, and missing school in older grades is linked to school dropout."
Allison points out in the study that increased absenteeism can contribute to an increased risk of "unhealthy behaviors as adolescents and young adults as well as poor long-term health outcomes." The study states that chronic absenteeism — missing school for any number of reasons including excused absences and suspensions — is defined by missing 10% or more of the school year, which normally equals about 18 missed days.
While many parents feel fine keeping their kids out of school for a family vacation or anytime the child asks to stay home, the study pointed out that students with poor attendance "score lower than their peers who attend school regularly on national skills assessments, regardless of race or ethnicity." It also stated that chronic absenteeism in children as young as sixth grade could be an indicator of the child eventually dropping out of school completely.
While there are many factors that can influence a child's absenteeism such as socioeconomic factors, preventable illnesses, fear of bullying or frustration with their learning environment, Dr. Allison suggested that pediatricians can take a more active role in encouraging attendance in their patients by speaking openly on the following topics:
- Asking about the number of school days missed in the past month at every visit, when appropriate.
- Documenting children's medical needs for an Individualized education program when needed for access to services in school.
- Providing firm guidance on when a child should stay home sick and when a child can attend school.
- Avoiding writing excuses for school absences when the absence was not appropriate. That means encouraging patients who are well enough to return to school immediately after their medical appointments.
While there are oftentimes that school absences can't be avoided, it's eye-opening to see how extended absences can affect a child's health and education long term.
Attendance Reminders:
- A Parent’s Note after an absence must be submitted within 3 days after returning to school.
- A Doctor’s Note is required after an Absence for five or more consecutive days. A doctor’s note is required for any absence beginning with the 6th absence within any semester.
- Excused Absences - A student who is absent (excused) shall be permitted to make up work and will receive one day/class meeting for each consecutive day/class meeting’s absence to turn in make-up work or to obtain any information covered during the absence. In general, absences will be excused for the following reasons:
o Personal Illness.
o Doctor’s Appointments
o Court Appearance
o Family emergency if the principal is contacted prior to the absence.
o Death in family
o Religious holy days.
**Please note that travel is not an excused absence. Please plan travel using the district calendar to ensure students do not have avoidable unexcused absences.
Prestwick LEarns - Focused on Learning
This year our focus is GROWTH for every learner. We will know we have met this goal when 75-85% of students show growth in the above mentioned areas. Growth targets each learner - the learner who has gaps and challenges in learning, the learner right on grade level and especially the learner who is above grade level and requires challenging to continue to move beyond.
Specific actions our campus will take to get us towards this goal:
- Educate our students on their current levels of progress so that they can track their growth and progress
- Use of strategic lesson planning that work to build on thoughtful work and academic discussion
- Teachers using best practices and intentionally creating a way for teachers observe best practices in each others classroom.
How can families support this goal?
- Work with your child on a growth mindset. Have children view themselves as having potential to learn and do anything. If they get frustrated change their language from "can't" to "not able to do yet."
- Encourage your child's role as a learner. Allow them to seek resources which includes asking questions in class, taking advantage of extra practice and IF necessary tutorials.
- Celebrate your child's goals in these areas- each step towards growth is worth celebrating. No need to stress just tell them to do their best. If by chance a child does not make growth focus on the next steps towards growth.
- Student attendance matters- we use each day to stretch our learners. Please have your child to school on time and avoid missed days of class.
- Educate yourself about the tools we use to track the ongoing growth for learners. Consider attending our Coffee with Principal when we review this with parents.
We are so thankful for the opportunity to grow your child this year. Please do not hesitate to ask questions as we partner together!
Your Proud Prestwick Team
Staff Spotlight
This week the spotlight is on Mrs. Parks, our Gifted and Talented teacher. Here is what she has to say about herself:
Hello! My name is T.J. Parks and I am so excited to be teaching GT at Lakeview Elementary and Prestwick STEM Academy. I am an avid reader and a die hard Texas Rangers fan! I live in Corinth with my husband, 2 sons and my dog. I have been teaching since 2008 and in the GT classroom since 2014. I graduated with my BS in Biology from UNT in 2007 and received my teaching certificate from LeTourneau University in 2013. I am very much looking forward to this year and can not wait to meet you!
Important Dates
September 2 District Closed for Labor Day
September 3 Staff Development Day, Student Holiday
September 9, 6 p.m. Parent Education Academy Session (at LMS)
September 12, 5:30 p.m. Destination Imagination Information Night (at Prestwick)
September 16, 6:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting (at Zellars)
September 17, 5:00 PTA Meeting & Curriculum Night (at Prestwick)
September 17, 6 p.m. Tuesday Talks Session (at LEHS)
Please Join our Grade Level Facebook Pages
Destination Imagination Information Meeting September 12 @ 5:30
Prestwick Run club for grades 4/5 and 6-8. Please click on the link below if you are interested!!
Please Volunteer for Our Lobo Loot Store!!
Friday, September 20th, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. @ PRESTWICK STEM ACADEMY
Free pizza and Drinks. Please fill out and submit this Google form to help provide accurate head count for pizza and drink.
Have questions about the Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) Program at Prestwick STEM Academy or interested in signing-up? Please contact Ken Beber at PSAWatchDOGS@gmail.com for my information.