Dear Linda Vista Families,
I hope the holiday break was enjoyable and relaxing for all of you! We are ready to begin the second half of the school year. Teachers have been busy preparing for lots of fun and educational activities.
There is a powerful link between successful learning and regular daily attendance as shown in numerous research studies. When students miss a full day of school they also miss valuable instruction. Why does regular school attendance matter?
· Key academic concepts are being covered everyday.
· Time on task on a daily basis is needed to learn daily basic academics.
· One missed day of school equals as many as three days of catch up for a child to learn all the missed information and skills.
In addition, when a student is absent, the district does not receive state funding for that day – regardless if the absence was excused or not. So, everyday counts! As stated by the district, by increasing school attendance district wide by 1% the PYLUSD would receive more than $1 million. This amount makes a huge difference in saving student programs and services during the state’s fiscal crisis.
One way we support students for an extended absence, five days or more, is an Independent Study Contract. An Independent Study Contract helps your child by providing the work missed during their absence; it is crucial that your child complete this work and turn it in on a timely manner after returning from the extended absence. While an Independent Study Contract provides your child work and attendance credit, it is not the same thing as being in school. When requesting an Independent Study Contract, please notify the front office and classroom teacher at least five days ahead of the absence so the work can be organized and the proper paperwork can be filled out.
If your child is sick, please keep them home so they can get well. Please follow the District Student Illness Guidelines:
1. If the child has a temperature of 100 degrees or more, by mouth, (99 degrees under the arm) in the last 24 hours, no school.
2. If the child has vomited or had diarrhea (2 or more watery stools) in the last 24 hours, no school.
3. If the child has thick, green nasal drainage, no school until the drainage has cleared or a note is provided from the health care provider indicating a non-infectious condition or treatment.
4. If the child has red eyes or any eye drainage, no school unless the eyes are clear or a note is provided from the health care provider indicating a non-infectious condition or treatment.
5. If the child has a skin rash, no school unless a note is provided from the health care provider indicating a non-infectious condition or treatment.
We truly appreciate all of your help in keeping our students healthy.
We have had a great first trimester and we are confident that this will continue throughout the year. With students, staff and parents working together, great things will continue to happen for students in our school. I appreciate the opportunity to work with your children on a daily basis!
Sincerely,
Paula Kintsch
Principal
