In many districts, student attendance dips in the days leading up to and immediately after a school vacation. Families may plan vacations that begin early or end late, and some may view missing these days as less impactful for their child.
One way to encourage families to maintain strong attendance around school vacations is to send out a nudge letter, providing families with information about the dates of the school vacation and encouraging them to attend every day possible before and after the vacation. Here is a sample letter adapted from Attendance Works that you may choose to send to students who have a pattern of missing school around vacations or to all students across the school/district:
Dear Families,
We wish you a restful and refreshing Thanksgiving/winter/spring break beginning on [insert date]!
It has been an exciting school year so far, with [add some highlights from the school year]. We appreciate everyone’s hard work and commitment to our school community. Thank you, thank you!
When school resumes on [insert return to school date], we will be [hosting a special event to welcome everyone back]
If your family or your child need support, please reach out to [insert contacts] for help.
As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers.
Until then, have a wonderful Thanksgiving/winter/spring break.
Thank you,