New London Public Schools is dedicated to educating and graduating every student.  Regular school attendance is critical to academic success.   Every day, students learn something new at school.  A student misses out when they miss even one day of school!  We miss our students when they are not at school.  Let’s work together to make sure that students are in school every day!

Attendance Expectation 2020-2021

New London Public Schools prioritizes attendance as research shows attendance in school is a major contributor to academic success.  This year, while in the hybrid and distance learning models, being in attendance AND being engaged in the learning activities is key to your child’s academic success.

Based on guidance from the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), teachers will document your child’s attendance every day.  All students are expected to attend school five days a week either online or in person (based on their cohort schedule).  Students are expected to:  attend all live online classes offered to them, and actively participate, just as they would if they were attending school in person. Students are also required to complete all schoolwork assigned online and in class. 

Students who do not attend live classes and do not complete their work will be considered absent.  Please keep your student home from school if they are feeling ill, have symptoms of COVID, if they have been tested for COVID, or if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID.  If your child is going to be absent, you should report your child’s absence by calling his/her home school. 

Tips for Distance Learning

• Reduce distractions. Where possible, reduce distractions when your child is completing schoolwork. This includes noise, TV., as well as clutter. A designated workspace that is comfortable for your child will be helpful.  Ideally, this will be a different area than where they normally play games or watch television 
• Help your child focus. For some children who really struggle with focusing making a list or checking in throughout the day with them, may be helpful. An example of this is if your child is asked to watch a lesson, read a prompt, and write a response. The list might say:  watch, read, write.  Another idea is to list each subject and check off when assignments are completed. Your child would use a check list to record their work and you could provide positive praise for work they have completed and encouragement when there is still work to be done.   
• Provide immediate positive feedback. Each time your child completes distance learning instruction, provide immediate and positive feedback! Something as simple as saying good job, giving a high five or giving them a sticker can go a long way in helping to motivate your child.
• Encourage movement (digital recess). Make sure that your child takes plenty of breaks in order to get physical activity and time away from screens. Set alarms similar to those they would encounter at school and encourage them to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or bike ride, or have a snack so that they are not seated for the entire day.
• Digital Quarantine. Consider limiting your child’s cell phone and tablet use until their schoolwork is done satisfactorily, so that schoolwork can receive their undivided attention.  Apps, games, and messaging features are fun, but they can also be distracting.
• This isn’t a school vacation. Even though staying home from school might feel like a holiday, remind your child that they are not on vacation. Attendance, assignments, grades, requirements, and tests - even state exams, are not going away just because they attend school through distance learning.