Strong attendance often begins with simple routines at home. A consistent morning and evening routine can make it easier for students to arrive at school ready to learn.

Families can help by:

• Learning the district’s attendance expectations
• Making sure their child is prepared for the school day
• Notifying the school when an absence is necessary
• Sending in written excuse notes when a child is absent
• Reaching out early if attendance challenges begin to develop

These everyday steps can make a real difference over the course of a school year.

Before the school year starts, families can set the stage for a strong year by planning ahead. When routines and backup plans are in place early, students are more likely to start the year with confidence.

Before the school year begins:

• Know your child’s bell schedule and bus schedule
• Create a daily routine and post it at home
• Make a plan and a backup plan for getting to school on time
• Prepare ahead for early dismissal days
• Make sure the school has updated contact and emergency information
• Confirm that required immunizations are current
• Contact the school nurse if an immunization appointment is needed
• Register for the PowerSchool Parent Portal and activate your account in ParentSquare

Planning ahead helps reduce stress, improve communication, and support a smoother school-year routine for families and students.

As the year continues, attendance habits are strengthened through consistency, communication, and support. Families do not have to solve every challenge alone. Schools can work with families when barriers begin to appear.

During the school year, families can:

• Encourage children by showing that school matters
• Talk with the principal, teachers, counselor, or school nurse if challenges arise
• Set regular bedtimes and morning routines
• Make time for breakfast and preparation before school
• Reduce device use when it interferes with sleep
• Build backup transportation plans
• Encourage participation in clubs, sports, and after-school activities

These routines help students feel more connected, more prepared, and more motivated to attend school every day.

Attendance barriers are different for every student. That is why the Allentown School District uses a case-by-case approach to understand what is getting in the way and what kind of support may help.

District and school supports may include:

• Attendance incentive programs and schoolwide attendance initiatives
• Relationship-based support from teachers, counselors, social workers, and other staff
• Home visits and family outreach
• Transportation help and referrals to community resources
• Data-driven attendance team reviews and intervention planning
• Phone calls, ParentSquare messages, and attendance information for families
• Health, hygiene, and wellness support through school staff and providers
• Student services support for housing, food, clothing, and transportation needs
• Counseling, mentoring, and small-group interventions
• Referrals to support agencies and community-based truancy providers
• Alternative educational pathways such as Virtual Campus, GAIN, Canary Flight, and Husky Pack

The district’s focus is not just on attendance numbers. It is on understanding barriers, responding early, and helping students stay connected to school.

Every school day counts.

That message is simple, but it matters. Each day a student attends school is a day filled with learning, support, structure, and connection. When schools and families work together, attendance becomes more than a requirement. It becomes part of a student’s path toward success.

The most important takeaway:

• Attendance supports academic growth
• Attendance supports social-emotional well-being
• Attendance habits begin at home
• Schools and families are stronger when they work together
• Early support can help remove attendance barriers

The Allentown School District is committed to being a trusted partner for families and to helping every student build the habit of showing up, learning, and moving forward.