In just three short weeks, our first semester of the 22-23 school year will come to a close. We have quite a few events this month. Make sure to check out the daily themes to celebrate the 12 days before Winter Break. Please enjoy the December newsletter!

Shea Howard, principal

Emily Marshall, assistant principal

As a district, we are in the middle of a crisis. This is a crisis not many people may realize. This is an attendance crisis. Our attendance rate is lower than it ever has been, even pre-COVID. Obviously, we want kids in school so they can learn. No School = No Education.

But, did you also know that attendance is directly related to school funding?

No School = No Funding

If our attendance rate continues as it currently is, our district could potentially lose more than $6 million! Families, this means a loss of teachers and a loss of programs. This means larger class sizes and fewer unique opportunities for our kids.

We know that kids get sick and we're in the middle of flu season. By no means are we advocating for you to send your children to school when they are sick. However, if your child is able to come to school, please send him/her to school. We want kids to learn and we want to be able to provide them with a quality and well-rounded education.

If you have any questions about attendance, please reach out to FES.Attendance@hayscisd.net.

This is a great, short article that explains how Average Daily Attendance (ADA) is calculated. https://www.mytexaspublicschool.org/the-school-system/funding.aspx

We are launching a December Attendance Challenge!

• Grade level prize - The top 2 grade levels with the highest attendance percentage for the week will earn an extra recess each Friday in December.

• Class prize - The top 2 classes with the highest attendance percentage for the week will earn a popcorn treat each Friday in December.

• Individual prize - We will draw 3 names with perfect attendance per grade level for a prize each Friday in December.

Parent/School Compact

Parent Right to Know