JTHS Families,  
 
September is recognized nationwide as "Attendance Awareness Month."  Unfortunately, chronic absenteeism – defined as missing 18 or more days – is an issue throughout the nation and at Joliet Township High School.  To address this issue, we have an Action Plan in our Strategic Plan dedicated solely to increasing the attendance rate to 90 percent or greater by implementing proactive, positive and collaborative approaches and programs.  We need your help to achieve this goal. 
 
Did You Know?

• Missing just 2 days of school per month adds up to 18 absences; in other words, missing 10 percent of the school year’s learning. 

• Missing 10 percent of the school year increases the chance that your student will not read or master math at the same level as their peers. 

• Students who are absent two or more days each school month achieve 25 percent lower than their fellow students. 

• By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school. 

• Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school; struggling with schoolwork; or facing some difficulty, such as bullying. 

• By 9th grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th-grade test scores. 

• As few as 5 absences in high school can drop a student’s GPA by 25%. 

Throughout September, we encourage you to join us in celebrating Attendance Awareness Month by: 

• Keeping Track of Attendance 
  Each time your student is absent one or more periods in a day, parents/guardians will receive an email and voice message.  You can also sign up for alerts in Campus Parent to receive notifications when your student is marked absent or tardy.  JTHS has developed an Attendance Tracker Document that can be used to keep track of absences.  We encourage you to use this.   

• Open Communication: If your student is facing challenges that might impact their attendance, please don't hesitate to reach out to your student’s dean or complete the Request for Support Form. 

• Making Attendance a Priority: Emphasize the importance of attending school every day. Regular attendance ensures that your student doesn't miss out on important lessons, discussions, and activities that contribute to their overall development. 

• Creating a Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes enough time for rest, preparation, and travel to school. A consistent routine helps students transition smoothly into their learning environment each day. 

• Celebrate Success: Recognize your student’s achievements and milestones in attendance. Positive reinforcement can go a long way. 

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. Together, let’s celebrate our students’ potential and ensure that September Attendance Awareness Month sets a positive tone for the entire school year ahead. 
 
Dr. Karla Guseman 
Superintendent