Principal’s Message
Please Send Your Child to School
January 2, 2025
Dear Douglas Elementary School Parents & Guardians,
I hope your child/children are enjoying their school year, and as we start 2025 I’d like to make it a point to convey the importance of consistent school attendance for each and every DES student.
In the fall at our Back-to-School Night, I informed families that the year prior to COVID there was a 14% absence rate of students missing 10+ days of school at DES. Last year, that number had skyrocketed to 49%! We understand that there are many factors that can impact a family's decision about sending their child to school, particularly in the wake of COVID. However, I want to emphasize how crucial regular attendance is for your child's academic success and social development. Every day in the classroom is an opportunity for growth, learning, and connections with peers and teachers.
When students miss school not only are they at risk of falling behind academically, they also miss out on valuable interactions that help them develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience. Our dedicated staff are here every day to support and maximize each student’s unique learning journey, and when children are absent it is a missed opportunity for them to potentially grasp a new concept, develop a skill, or even make a new friend.
If you’ve not already done so, we respectfully ask and encourage you to make school attendance a priority and continue to partner with us in fostering a love for learning. If there are challenges that make attendance difficult for your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you and find solutions together.
Thank you for your continued support of our school and our shared commitment to your child’s education. Together, we can ensure your child stays on the path to optimizing their experiences and opportunities.
With the utmost appreciation and respect,
Ken Haynes - Principal