Help make our Tardy list disappear in 2017

Hello Moretown School Families,

I hope the new year has started for everyone in a positive way.  There are many opportunities for everyone to make " plans" for self improvement  and new opportunities as a way to usher in the new year.  As your community school we also for explore ways to improve the way we approach working with students families around the topic of learning.  We have taken notice that our "late to school"(Tardy) list seems to be increasing and has been for a few weeks.  I am very aware of the challenges families face to get everyone up and going each day.  This is no easy task, however with some simple night before preparations and consistent morning routines this can be achieved with less pain that one would expect.  Our school works hard to make sure our classroom teachers are ready to greet and get ready for our learning the moment our students arrive.  When our students come to school late it causes some of the following issues; 

Your Child's Learning

When a child is late to school, she misses out on important instruction. Every minute that a child is in school is important to her learning. When she is tardy, she faces the challenge of trying to settle in and catch up with what other students are doing. She is behind and has to struggle to understand material the teacher has already explained. Being late is detrimental to her learning, especially if it occurs on a consistent basis.

Other Children's Learning

Other students also suffer when a child is late to school. They have to wait to proceed with a lesson because the teacher is busy trying to catch the late child up. The interruption of a door opening into a classroom and the teacher having to address who is coming in is distracting and can cause students to lose their concentration as well. It wastes time to deal with and then recover from an interruption caused by someone coming in late to class.

Preparation for Real Life

Being on time to school is preparation for the world outside of school. When parents focus on punctuality, students learn that not coming to a meeting or event on time is disrespectful of other people’s time and that they miss out on important information.

Ways to Prevent Tardiness

Have your child set out her clothes for the next day the night before. Her backpack should contain all her books, supplies and homework she will need for the next day. Get all of the supplies and equipment needed for after school practices and activities ready. Have your son/daughter make their lunch if they bring it, and ensure he/she is in bed at a reasonable hour. Set the alarm 10 or 15 minutes earlier than absolutely necessary to ensure your child has enough time to get to school before the school day begins.  

I know with some extra attention, effort and planning the "Tardy" list will disappear and the issues associated with being late to school will no longer be a concern.  Thanks for your time and attention to this important issue as we enter 2017.    Our school day begins at 7:30 with the opportunity for students to be dropped off at the school beginning at 7:15.  

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  

Duane Pierson