Every school day is a chance to learn something new, connect with friends and teachers and be part of the DSST community. We sat down with Donovan, DSST's Senior Manager of School Culture, to talk about why showing up matters. Start with the video below, then read on for more about what attendance means for your student and how to keep track of it at home.
When a student misses a day, they miss more than a lesson. They miss the class discussion that made a tough concept click, the lab their classmates still talk about and the small moments that build friendships with peers and trust with teachers. They also miss out on the traditions, celebrations and everyday joy that make DSST feel like home.
Learning builds on itself, so each day in class sets students up for the next one. Being there consistently means students stay on track, feel more confident and stay connected to the community around them.
As Donovan shares in the video, our own numbers show just how much attendance matters. When students come to school more, their grades go up. In fact, our data suggests that attending just two more full days a month can raise a student's grade by a full letter in two classes. That could mean moving from a C to a B!
The connection shows up across the network, too. Last year, three out of four students who missed fewer than two days of school each month had a GPA above 3.0. A couple of days a month may not seem like much, but over a semester, it adds up.
Where to find your student's attendance
Every week you'll receive a progress report for your student. Along with grades, missing assignments and culture data, it includes an attendance section that shows:
- Attendance average for the reporting period, with a color bar showing where it falls (below 80%, 80–90%, 90–95%, or above 95%.
- Total full-day absences so far this year.
- Absences and tardies by class, both for the reporting period and for the whole year.
Take a few minutes with your student each time a new report comes in. Celebrate when attendance is strong, and if it's slipping, talk together about what's getting in the way.
Showing up every day is one of the most important things a student can do for their success, and it's something families and schools can work on together. When students are here, they're learning, growing and connecting with a joyful community that's better because they're in it. If something is making it hard for your student to get to school, reach out to your student's advisor or the front office. We're here to help, and we can't wait to see your student every day.