By Pastor Clint Perkins | Walking in the Word with Clint
Just as church attendance is important for believers, school attendance is equally important for students.
September is Attendance Awareness Month. According to the Simpson County School District, missing just two days of school each month can result in a student being considered chronically absent. Under Mississippi education guidance, chronic absenteeism means missing 10% or more of enrolled school days for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences.
Regular absences can cause students to fall behind academically, lose confidence and become disconnected from teachers and classmates. Over time, missed school days can affect graduation, employment opportunities and future success.
Deuteronomy 6:4-8 teaches parents to love God wholeheartedly and diligently teach His commandments to their children throughout everyday life. This passage reminds us that parents and guardians have a God-given responsibility to guide, teach and prepare their children. That responsibility includes making education and regular school attendance a priority.
Children should understand that going to school is more than a requirement. It is an opportunity to develop the knowledge, discipline and responsibility needed for life. Parents can help by establishing dependable morning routines, monitoring attendance, encouraging their children and communicating with teachers and school leaders when problems arise.
However, chronic absenteeism is not always caused by laziness or a lack of concern. Some students face illness, transportation challenges, bullying, family responsibilities or emotional difficulties. Churches, schools, families and communities must work together to identify the causes of absences and provide meaningful support.
Just as Deuteronomy 6 instructs adults to teach children consistently, we must consistently encourage young people to attend school and value their education. When we help children build faithful habits today, we help prepare them to become responsible, productive and successful adults tomorrow.
Every child matters, and every school day matters.
Until next time, let’s be intentional about making sure our children attend school regularly.
