A Note From Principal Swientek

Dear Wilkes Families and Caregivers,

Next week marks the end of our first quarter. As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun, and we can all agree this school year is flying by while our students are learning and growing. It has been fun watching your wildcat develop as learners and leaders.

To share the progress we are experiencing here at school, Wilkes will hold parent-teacher conferences on November 23 and 24. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with your Wildcat’s teacher, learn about your student’s progress, and discuss ways to support learning outside of school. Most importantly, these conversations strengthen the partnership between school and home and help us learn how we can improve.

One topic teachers will be discussing with families is attendance. We stress the importance of coming to school every day and on time, and the research shows why. It’s easy to think that missing a couple of days a month is no big deal, but over the course of a year it adds up to 18 days. Missing 18 days is considered chronic absenteeism, even when the absences are excused.

Arriving on time matters too. I understand that I can be a stickler and send occasional messages about tardies but consider this: a student who arrives just 10 minutes late each day misses about 30 hours of instruction over the year. That equals roughly five full school days. Late arrivals also interrupt classmates’ learning and can leave a student feeling rushed and unsettled.

How You Can Help

• Aim for no more than 1-2 absences per month, and keep your sick student home. We understand that common illnesses sometimes keep students home for several days and rushing back to school can impact their body’s need to recover.
• Keep a consistent morning and bedtime routine.
• Schedule appointments and family trips outside of school time when possible.
• Arrive before the bell so your child can transition easily and join their whole class for Morning Meeting.

If something is making it hard for your child to attend regularly, please let us know. We are here to help.

Please watch for an invitation from your student’s teacher to schedule your conference through ParentSquare or their roar folder.

Thank you for your continued support. And remember, every day truly counts!