September is “Attendance Awareness Month,” and the theme for 2015 is “School Every Day.” The School District of Lee County recognizes the importance of school attendance and the crucial role it plays in student success.

Chronic absence – missing 10 percent of the school year, or just two to three days every month – is an alarming, largely overlooked problem that is preventing too many children from having an opportunity to learn and succeed.

Nationally, an estimated 5 million to 7.5 million students are at risk academically each year because they are chronically absent.

Children with certain risk factors, including poverty, chronic health conditions, homelessness, frequent moves and disabilities, are especially hard hit since they can least afford to miss school.

Throughout the month of September, the district will be participating in the nationwide campaign by encouraging schools and communities to “Map the Attendance Gap,” determining who, when and where students are most likely to miss too much school.

Everyone has a role to play: parents, schools, healthcare providers, city agencies, nonprofits and foundations, afterschool programs, businesses, faith leaders and others.

Research shows that poor attendance in the first month of school can predict trends for the year.

The district would like parents and community members to review the following facts and to consider joining the effort to encourage school attendance for all children.

The district will be promote Attendance Awareness Month on Twitter and Facebook using #SchoolEveryDay.

For more information, visit online: awareness.attendanceworks.org.

Source: School District of Lee County