Sending texts to families the night before commonly missed days can be an effective way to support student attendance in several ways. Here are some strategies that may help:
Provide clear and specific information: When sending a text message to families, make sure to provide clear and specific information about the upcoming school day. This might include the date, time, and location of any important events or activities, such as tests or parent-teacher conferences.
Remind families of the importance of attendance: In your text message, remind families of the importance of regular attendance and the impact it can have on their child's academic success. You might also highlight any consequences of chronic absenteeism, such as falling behind in coursework or missing out on valuable instructional time.
Offer support and resources: If families are struggling to ensure their child attends school regularly, offer support and resources to help them overcome any barriers. This might include information about transportation options, after-school programs, or community resources that can help families address challenges like illness or childcare.
Prompt families to make a plan: One of the best ways to help families follow through on their intentions is to prompt them to make a plan. For example, asking questions like, ‘what time will you leave your home to help Casey get to school on time?’ can be helpful.
Make it easy for families to respond: Finally, make it easy for families to respond to your text message and communicate any concerns or questions they may have. Consider providing a phone number or email address where families can reach out for additional support or information.
By using these strategies, you can help families understand the importance of regular attendance and provide them with the resources and support they need to ensure their child attends school regularly. This can help improve student attendance and ultimately, boost academic achievement.