Dear community member,
As parents and caregivers, we all share the same hopes for our children: that they grow into their full potential with the support of a strong education. One of the most powerful predictors of their success is also one of the simplest — showing up to school every day.
Research is clear. Missing as few as two days a month, even starting in preschool, can put students at risk of falling behind. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, can disrupt early literacy, math skills, social-emotional growth, and eventually, high school graduation. By third grade, attendance is a key indicator of reading proficiency. By sixth grade, it is one of the top signs a student may drop out. By ninth grade, attendance is an even stronger predictor of graduation than test scores.
When children miss school, whether the absences are excused or unexcused, they miss out on vital lessons, classroom interactions, and opportunities to build confidence and friendships. In our current climate, we know that attendance may be impacted by the reality that some families in our community are living in fear. That’s why it’s so important to affirm and protect schools as places of safety that provide essential resources from behavioral health services, food distribution, career-technical education, and immigrant family support.
Alongside these attendance impacts, we also know our schools are facing ongoing enrollment declines across much of the county. This trend underscores the importance of ensuring every student is supported, connected, and present.
The COE joins schools across our community that are highlighting the importance of consistent school attendance this fall. In particular, I want to recognize an exceptional attendance campaign in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District that was built from the ground up with student involvement. Its slogan — “Attend today. Achieve Tomorrow!” — was created by Aaliyah Garcia, a talented 8th grader at Cesar Chavez Middle.
I want to thank Aaliyah and the many partners putting attendance in the spotlight. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and make every day count.
As we head into the Labor Day weekend, I want to wish everyone a safe and restful holiday. I also invite all community members to join us at the Labor Day rally in Watsonville City Plaza on Monday at 2:00 p.m., where the Santa Cruz COE is proud to join SEIU alongside other labor leaders, the Pájaro Valley Collaborative, and partners who put families first.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools