Salem Asks For Parents' Help Fighting 'Chronic Absenteeism'

SALEM, MA -- The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education warned Salem Public Schools in its new accountability and assessment standards that the school system has a "chronic absenteeism" problem, which the state defines as missing 18, or 10 percent, or more of school days. That rebuke prompted Superintendent Margarita Ruiz to send an "open letter" to parents Wednesday asking for their help in fighting absent and tardy students.

"We notice and miss your child when they are not in school. Our district needs your help to ensure that all students attend school daily," Ruiz wrote in the letter, which was posted in English and Spanish on the district's Website. "Research shows that just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much learning time lost and put your child behind in school."

Absenteeism is linked to reading problems and is one of three factors that can predict as early the sixth grade which students are more likely to drop out of high school. The letter included some suggestions for parents to help fight the problem, including scheduling appointments outside of school hours, helping kids establish routines and getting students involved with after-school activities.

"Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school," Ruiz wrote. "Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and on the job."

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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).