Dear Wayne-Westland School Community,

Regularly attending school has numerous benefits for students. It ensures they can access daily instruction, valuable classroom discussions, and peer collaborative activities. Consistent attendance allows them to actively engage in learning, acquire new knowledge, develop essential skills, and progress toward achieving their educational goals.

There are two convenient methods for reporting your child's absence to facilitate efficient communication and accurate attendance records.

• You can notify your child's school through the dedicated attendance line. Please leave a detailed message stating your child's name, grade, and reason for absence.
• You can report absences directly through MiStar, our secure online portal for student information. MiStar provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to submit absences.
   

Wayne-Westland Community Schools understands that circumstances may sometimes hinder your child's attendance. We are committed to supporting students and families during these times. We have partnered with Concentric, Wayne Youth Assistance, and Westland Youth Assistance to offer additional resources and assistance. These organizations specialize in providing support services to students and families, addressing challenges that may affect attendance or overall well-being. If your child is facing any difficulties that may impact their attendance, we encourage you to contact the attendance monitors/secretary at your child’s school and we will connect you with the appropriate support resources.

Your active involvement and collaboration with the school play a significant role in ensuring your child's success. By prioritizing regular attendance and promptly reporting any absences, you demonstrate your commitment to their education. Additionally, your proactive communication allows us to maintain accurate records, ensuring we can quickly address any concerns or provide necessary support.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school.

Together, let us work towards fostering a positive learning environment where attendance and engagement thrive, enabling your child to reach their full potential. Please read the attendance protocols on the next page.

Sincerely,

John Dignan, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Wayne-Westland Community Schools K-12 Attendance Protocol

One (1) absence and every absence thereafter - An automated call will be sent to indicate that the student has missed an attendance period. If a call was made to the school to excuse the absence, this call does not go out.

Three (3) absences or equivalent - A teacher will make a phone call to discuss the reason(s) for the absences and seek to support the family in getting the child to school.

Six (6) absences or equivalent - An attendance letter is sent to communicate the district’s concern about attendance and highlight the steps in the attendance protocol.

Nine (9) absences or equivalent - A meeting will be set up between the family and an administrator or support staff member to discuss attendance barriers and to highlight the urgency of regular attendance.

Twelve (12) absences or equivalent - Student’s name and address are submitted to Concentric to conduct a home visit. The school will notify parents of the upcoming visit. The details of that home visit are shared with the school to support the student’s regular attendance in school. The middle and high school students’ names and addresses will also be submitted to Westland Youth Assistance or Wayne Youth Services for enrollment in their programming. The second attendance letter is also mailed home at this time.

Fifteen (15) absences or equivalent - Final attendance letter is sent home. Eighteen (18) absences or equivalent - Student is referred to Wayne County through formal petition for chronic absenteeism.