Dear Silver Falls Families, Staff, Students, and Community,
 
We are thrilled to be back to school soon! Thanks for taking a few moments to read this important message about prioritizing attendance this year.

School attendance has never been more important to the success of our students. In the 2024–25 school year, more than 1100 students in our district attended less than 90% of the time. That means they missed more than 17 days of school—enough to make a lasting impact on learning.
 
Our goal is for every student to be a “regular attender,” which means missing no more than 17 days out of our 170-day school year.
 
You may be wondering why this is so critical. Here are some important facts:
 

• Early absences predict future absences. Missing just 2–4 days in September can lead to missing nearly a month of school later.
• All absences add up. Even excused absences can set your child back. Whenever possible, schedule appointments outside school hours or on vacation days.
• Attendance supports reading success. Missing one literacy day in early grades can mean missing a key building block for reading.
• Better attendance means better graduation odds. Students who improve their attendance improve their chances of earning a diploma.
• Absences have risen nationwide. Chronic absence has doubled since 2021–22. With COVID risks reduced, we follow traditional OHA Exclusion Guidelines.
• Just 10% matters. Missing as little as 10% of the school year—about two days a month—can negatively affect academic achievement.

 
We are committed to improving attendance and student achievement, but we can’t do it alone. As we put updated attendance procedures in place, you may receive more communication from your child’s school about attendance. Please know this is part of our effort to partner with you for your child’s success.
 
We understand that life sometimes brings challenges. When that happens, reach out—we are here to help your child be in class, every day, ready to learn.
 
Thank you for partnering with us to help every student in the Silver Falls School District thrive.
Kim Kellison
Superintendent