Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Strategic Integration

Assistant Superintendent Student Services and Strategic Integration
417 Rock Street
Fall River,  MA 02720
508-675-8420 x 53712
 
Administrative Assistant
417 Rock St
Fall River, MA 02720
508-675-8420 ext. 53710


District Civil Rights Compliance Officers

Attendance at

Fall River Public Schools

 

Every day counts! We care that every student shows up to school, all day every day. Fall River Public Schools is committed to working with families to ensure that every student attends school regularly and achieves their full potential. By prioritizing attendance, we can create a brighter future for all our students. 

Attendance Policy

2024-2025 School Academic Calendar 

Our Attendance Officers

Why Attendance Matters

Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.
 
We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances, but we also know that when students miss too much school— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically. Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year.
 
Research shows:

 • Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.

 • By 6th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.

 • By 9th grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores.

Absences can add up quickly.
A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month!

Directory

How We Can Help

We are here to help you. Let’s be partners in this journey.

We understand that there are many reasons why your student might miss school. Our goal is to set you and your family up for success. If there are ways we can help you, please reach out to the below departments. 

Attendance Tips

  • Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can. 
     
  • Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home.  If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator. 
  • Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning.  If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal. 
     
  • Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours.  Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience.