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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	August 3, 2015 02:50 PM
From:	Senator Judith L. Schwank
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Attendance Awareness Month

Although many school districts today start earlier, September still marks the traditional start of the new school year. Nationally, it also is recognized in many communities as Attendance Awareness Month to focus attention on the importance of regular school attendance. Missing just two or three days a month even in elementary school can leave students struggling badly by the time they enter middle school. And it affects even students who show up regularly, as teachers then must spend time reviewing for students who missed lessons. Truancy is the earliest indicator for increased rates later of substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy and other issues that place social and economical stresses on our communities, and is the result of factors as different as learning issues, bullying, substance or physical abuse, and parents keeping children home for family purposes.Parents, schools and communities together need to be aware of and focus on the importance of attendance throughout the school years for later-life opportunities and success. I will shortly introduce a resolution recognizing September as Attendance Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. I hope you will add your voice to this critical message by co-sponsoring the resolution with me. Thank you.

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