PATRIOT NEWS
December 2023
A Message from Principal Saxberg
School Attendance
Why is school attendance important? Being at school consistently and at a 95% or higher rate provides not only our students the consistency, routines and predictability children thrive on, but high attendance rates also immerse our young people in the teaching and learning opportunities on a regular basis. When I miss one day of work, I realize how much I missed when I come back the next day. As parents who are working or have a day that is changed from a regular routine, how does that affect us when that routine and structure is changed? My experience has been that it always takes me some time to get caught back up and feel like I’m back in a routine again, what about you?
Missing school is a disruption in our children’s routine and structure that we as human beings desire. Statistically, students who miss enough school to be chronically absent are more likely to drop out of school before graduation. academic achievement is lower and opportunities to build friendships and social skills are compromised.
Chronic absenteeism in schools is a hot topic right now across the United States. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% or more of a school year according to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and since COVID-19, chronic absenteeism has increased across not only the United States, but also North Dakota schools. Students who miss 18 to 20 school days a year are chronically absent. What do the numbers tell us about Century Elementary regarding attendance and chronic absenteeism over the past few years?
Our daily attendance rate has dropped each of the last few years. In the 2020-2021 school year 95% of our students attended school each day. In 2021-2022 the percentage dropped to 94% and last school year the percentage dropped again to 93%. Prior to 2020-2021 our daily attendance rate was consistently above 95%.
Regardless of the demographic: gender, race, or income level, chronic absenteeism at Century has increased and attendance rates have dropped. In the 2020-2021 school year 14% of our students were chronically absent. The 2021-2022 school year data indicated a 19% chronic absenteeism rate and last school year 20% of our students missed 18 to 20 days of school. What causes poor school attendance and what can be done about it?
Many factors are associated with poor school attendance: physical health issues, socioeconomic hardships, relationship problems with peers at school, academic struggles, dislike for school overall, and mental health are all reasons. As parents and educators we can help our children with school attendance the following ways:
-Talk to our children to find out why they have poor attendance
-Parents and educators can work together to determine the cause of missed school
-Set clear expectations of the importance of attendance and the consequences of missing school
-Be role models for our children of a strong work ethic
Recognizing and acknowledging the importance of regular school attendance is the most important step in improving our attendance at Century. The reality is our students’ attendance is decreasing. The result is a higher likelihood of missed opportunities and advantages for our children in the future of being happy and successful. Let’s do better for our children. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s attendance, please reach out to your child’s teacher, and we can work together to make a positive difference.
Wow, What a Successful Food Drive
The Century Community held a November Food Drive from November 1st through November 28th. We collected 2,756 items! Our amazing 5th grade student leaders helped manage the inflow of items each day and kept a tally of the number of items brought in. The classroom that brought in the most was Ms. Schipman's 5th grade who earned a Pizza Party!
Pajama Drive- December 1st through December 18th
Winter Staff Appreciation Week
Wondering what might make a good gift for your teachers? The PTO has put together a "Teachers Favorites List" that can be found on our Facebook page under "Albums". There is also a binder located in the front office. (Some teachers will not be found on the Facebook page, but will be in the binder in the office).
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4FA4A82FA2F58-46408341-teacherstaff#/
Real Good Cookies
Pre-order online a variety of the delectable Real Good Cookies Nov. 24-Dec. 8. Pick up of the cookies will be at Century Elementary School on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 3-4pm and 5-6pm at the main entrance.
Order link: www.real-good-cookies.com/century
Password: cookies
Important Dates to Remember
Dec 4- PTO meeting in Library @ 6pm
Dec 6- Early Release @ 1:30Dec 8- Report Cards being emailed out
Dec 19- Century Band/Choir/Orchestra concert 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Dec 20- Early Release @ 1:30
Dec 25-Jan 1- No School- Holiday Break
Early Release Dates - 1:30 Dismissal
Dec 6
Dec 20
Jan 17
Jan 31
Feb 28
Mar 20
Apr 10
Apr 24
May 8
May 22
Century Elementary School
Email: thinesley150@mygfschools.org
Website: www.gfschools.org/Century
Location: 3351 17th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND, USA
Phone: 701-746-2440
Twitter: @CenturyGF