AUBURN - The Auburn Enlarged City School District Board of Education is paying close attention to low attendance districtwide, and plans to present an updated attendance policy at its next meeting on Feb. 7.
Charles Beck, who serves on the board's Policy Committee, opened general discussions with Superintendent John Plume and the board regarding overall attendance.
“One student showing up to school late does something to the whole system,” said Ginny Kent, the board vice president.
Members voiced particular concern with absent and tardy students in the upper grades, especially at Auburn High School. Plume said that during one month this year, 2,000 unexcused absences were recorded. He did not say whether one school alone was responsible for that count, or whether the number reflected districtwide data.
“We have to encourage the community that school attendance is extremely important,” said Beck, who emphasized that parents also have a role in seeing their children get to school on time.
“Some parents think it's fine to take their kids out of school for a week to go to Florida. Some parents think it's okay to take their children out of school to get ready for a dance.”
He speculated that many young people who cannot seem to get to school on time are repeating patterns set by their own parents during their school years.
The board wants to implement a modified attendance policy beginning Sept. 2007.
In other news:
- Kathy McLane, the new president of the Auburn Education Foundation, gave an overview of the foundation's past, present and future goals. McLane also invited board members to attend the foundation's “Winter Magic” fund-raising event, which will take place from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, March 4.
- School principals Howard Seamans and Mickie Cuevas-Post of Genesee and Owasco elementary schools, respectively, highlighted the academic and social progress of students in their buildings. Cuevas-Post emphasized a learning method called the Collaborative Assessment Student Learning process, in which teachers at Owasco Elementary School help students focus on writing and other areas of achievement.
- The board announced the retirement of Margaret A. Hutchins, who served for 33 years as the librarian for Owasco Elementary School.
Staff writer Olivia Goldberg can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 235 or olivia.goldberg@lee.net
“One student showing up to school late does something to the whole system,” said Ginny Kent, the board vice president.
Members voiced particular concern with absent and tardy students in the upper grades, especially at Auburn High School. Plume said that during one month this year, 2,000 unexcused absences were recorded. He did not say whether one school alone was responsible for that count, or whether the number reflected districtwide data.
“We have to encourage the community that school attendance is extremely important,” said Beck, who emphasized that parents also have a role in seeing their children get to school on time.
“Some parents think it's fine to take their kids out of school for a week to go to Florida. Some parents think it's okay to take their children out of school to get ready for a dance.”
He speculated that many young people who cannot seem to get to school on time are repeating patterns set by their own parents during their school years.
The board wants to implement a modified attendance policy beginning Sept. 2007.
In other news:
- Kathy McLane, the new president of the Auburn Education Foundation, gave an overview of the foundation's past, present and future goals. McLane also invited board members to attend the foundation's “Winter Magic” fund-raising event, which will take place from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, March 4.
- School principals Howard Seamans and Mickie Cuevas-Post of Genesee and Owasco elementary schools, respectively, highlighted the academic and social progress of students in their buildings. Cuevas-Post emphasized a learning method called the Collaborative Assessment Student Learning process, in which teachers at Owasco Elementary School help students focus on writing and other areas of achievement.
- The board announced the retirement of Margaret A. Hutchins, who served for 33 years as the librarian for Owasco Elementary School.
Staff writer Olivia Goldberg can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 235 or olivia.goldberg@lee.net
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