Every Day Counts in YUSD!

Attendance is Key to School Success

In the Yosemite Unified School District, we emphasize the critical importance of regular school attendance for the success of every student. By making a commitment to being present every day, parents, guardians, and students play a vital role in fostering an environment where learning thrives. Here are some key points that highlight the significance of regular attendance:

The Impact of Regular Attendance

• Absences add up quickly and can adversely affect student learning.
• Daily attendance is a significant factor in a child's academic success.
• Missing just two days per month is equivalent to 10 percent of the school year, negatively impacting academic performance across all grade levels.
• Poor attendance in the early years can predict reading proficiency by the end of third grade, and chronic absence in sixth grade is associated with a lower likelihood of high school graduation.

Identifying & Supporting Student Needs
Attendance is not just about being physically present—it can also serve as a crucial signal indicating that a student may need additional support. Students may be absent for various reasons, and recognizing these factors is essential for providing the necessary assistance. Here are some common reasons students might be absent:

• Struggles with school subjects
• School climate
• Health conditions
• Anxiety
• Transportation
• Caring for family members

By understanding the various factors influencing attendance, we can create a supportive environment that addresses the unique needs of each student. If you have concerns or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our school staff or utilize the resources available on this webpage.

Tips to Support Strong Attendance

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine to ensure your child is well-rested and ready for the day.
• Develop backup plans for getting to school if unexpected challenges arise.
• Schedule medical appointments and extended trips when school is not in session whenever possible.
• Monitor your student's attendance and promptly contact the teacher to address any concerns.
• Communicate with your child about the importance of showing up to school every day, setting clear expectations.

Staying Home When Unwell

• While it's important to stay home when feeling unwell, being in class and ready to learn on healthy days is equally crucial.
• Let's work together to ensure YUSD students maintain strong attendance and achieve their full potential.

COVID-19 Updates & Guidelines

Visit our webpage for the most current updates and guidelines on responding to COVID-19.

Resources for Families:

YUSD has compiled resources, both district and external, to help families ensure students can attend school healthy and ready to learn each and every day.  Find below resources by topic.

Attendance Promotion, Crisis Intervention & Mental Health Support

• Attendance Works: A comprehensive resource for information and strategies to promote regular attendance.
• The Trevor Project: Providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
• Crisis Response Resource: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: A helpline for immediate assistance in crisis situations. Dial 988 from your phone anytime to access support.

Local Counseling and Support Services:

• Cornerstone Family Counseling: Offering family counseling services to support the well-being of students and their families.
• Compass Family Counseling: Providing professional counseling services for families.
• Camarena Health Behavioral Health: Offering behavioral health services to support mental well-being.
• Madera County Behavioral Health Services: Local resources for mental health support.
• Psychology Today Therapist Directory: Find licensed therapists in the Oakhurst area.

Nutrition
Good nutrition and learning go hand in hand. YUSD's Nutrition Services offers free breakfast and lunch to all YUSD students. Discover how we enhance student learning through our nutrition initiatives by visiting our Nutrition Services webpage.

Transportation
Our Transportation Services Department helps ensure students are safely transported to and from school each day—as well as to a wide variety of athletic and extracurricular events throughout the school year. Learn more by visiting our Transportation Services webpage.

Together, we can ensure that every student at Yosemite Unified School District has the opportunity to thrive academically and emotionally. Thank you for your commitment to making attendance matter!