At Walker-Spivey Elementary, we believe every child deserves a strong academic foundation,
and one of the most important building blocks for that success is daily school attendance.
Families often hear that “attendance matters,” but many don’t realize how closely attendance is
linked to a child’s ability to learn to read, stay on grade level, and grow into a confident learner.
Attendance and Literacy: What’s the Connection?
Research shows a powerful relationship between how often a child attends school and how well
they learn to read, especially in the early grades. Reading is a skill that builds over time. When
children miss school, they miss essential instruction in phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and
writing. These gaps add up quickly.
Here’s what we see at Walker-Spivey:
1. Students who miss just 2 days a month (10% of the school year) are at
risk of not reading on grade level.
Even small amounts of consistent absences make a big difference. Reading instruction is most
effective when it is repeated, modeled, and practiced daily.
2. Early attendance habits predict long-term academic success.
Students who are chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to
become strong readers by 3rd grade, a critical milestone for future learning.
3. Strong attendance helps build confidence and routine.
Children who come to school regularly feel more connected, more prepared, and more
successful. This naturally builds their love for learning and their willingness to try new reading
strategies.
4. Reading skills grow through daily exposure.
Skills such as blending sounds, analyzing text, or practicing comprehension strategies must be
reinforced each day. Missing even a few days a month creates instructional gaps that are
difficult to make up at home.
What We’re Doing at Walker-Spivey to Support Attendance
and Literacy
We are committed to helping every child grow as a reader and develop a strong school routine.
Our efforts include:
● Daily small-group reading instruction that targets each child’s needs
● mCLASS and MAZE assessments to monitor progress and provide timely support
● Attendance monitoring to quickly identify students who need help establishing consistent
routines
● Curriculum with Loved Ones to involve families in reading development
● Positive attendance incentives and celebrations to recognize student efforts
We want our families to know that we are here to work as partners, not judges, in supporting
your child’s learning.
How Families Can Support Strong Attendance
Here are a few ways families can help build the connection between good attendance and
strong literacy skills:
✔ Establish a consistent bedtime and morning routine
Children learn best when they are rested and ready.
✔ Schedule appointments outside of school hours when possible
Missing even part of the day can interrupt important instruction.
✔ Communicate with your child’s teacher when challenges arise
We are here to help, whether your family is facing transportation issues, health concerns, or
schedule changes.
✔ Celebrate your child’s effort
A simple “I’m proud of you for going to school today!” goes a long way.
✔ Read nightly
Just 10–15 minutes of reading at home helps reinforce skills taught during the school day.
Working Together for Strong Readers and Strong Attendance
At Walker-Spivey Elementary, we believe in the power of partnership. When students attend
school consistently and engage in daily literacy instruction, they build the foundation they need
to thrive academically.
Every day of learning matters. Every child matters. And together, we can ensure that all our
students become confident, successful readers.
If you ever have concerns about attendance, literacy, or need support, please reach out to your
child’s teacher or our school team. We are here to help you every step of the way.