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Attendance Matters! When Should My Child Stay Home?

Did you know that school attendance is the leading indicator of your child’s lifelong success?

Attendance Matters at Fortuna Elementary School District

Every Day Counts: The Power of Showing Up for School
At Fortuna Elementary School District, we know that every school day matters. Regular attendance is one of the most critical ways families can help children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. When students are present, they build stronger relationships with teachers and peers, keep up with lessons, and develop the habits that set them up for lifelong success.

Over the past two years, our district has made tremendous progress in attendance. Thanks to the dedication of families, staff, and community partners, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of students attending regularly and a meaningful drop in chronic absenteeism. This means more of our TK–8 students are in class, learning, and thriving.


Graph indicating attendance for each school year.
Why Attendance Matters
Research shows that students who miss just two days a month—18 days over the year—are at higher risk of falling behind academically. In the early grades, this can make it harder to develop strong reading and math skills. In later grades, it can affect graduation rates and college or career readiness. The good news? Every day your child is in school makes a difference.

District Resources to Support Families
We understand that life can bring challenges, and we’re here to help. Fortuna Elementary School District offers a variety of resources to make regular attendance easier for families:

  • Excel Afterschool Program – Quality afterschool care is available to give students a safe, engaging place to learn and play until parents can pick them up.
  • Busing – Transportation is provided for students living within district boundaries, helping ensure every student has a reliable way to get to school.
  • Fortuna Family Resource Center (FRC) – Located on the Walker Elementary campus, the FRC offers support with transportation, food assistance, employment, housing, and more. Our friendly team can connect you to services that reduce barriers to getting your child to school.


Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
The progress we’ve made together is worth celebrating—and worth continuing. By working as a team, we can ensure our students build strong attendance habits that will benefit them for years to come. Whether it’s setting a regular bedtime, preparing for the next day the night before, or reaching out for help when you need it, every effort counts.

Thank you for making school attendance a priority. With your partnership, we can give every child the best possible start in school and life!

 

Board Policy on Attencance  District Calendar


 

Please contact your child’s school office if you have questions about attendance or to report an absence..

Fortuna Elementary School District

Address: 

534 12th Street
Fortuna, CA 95540

Phone: 707-725-2293
Email: superintendent@fortunaesd.com

 

Fortuna Middle School

Address: 

843 L St
Fortuna, CA 95540

Phone: 707-725-3415
Email: fortunamiddleoffice@fortunaesd.com

 

 

Toddy Thomas Middle School

Address: 

2800 Thomas Street

Phone: 707-725-5197
Email: toddythomasoffice@fortunaesd.com

 

 

Linell K. Walker Elementary School

Address: 

2089 Newburg Road

Phone: 707-725-2519
Email:

walkeroffice@fortunaesd.com

 

 

Norman G. Ambrosini Elementary School

Address: 

3850 Rohnerville Road

Phone: 707-725-4688
Email: ambrosinioffice@fortunaesd.com

 

 

When Should my Child Stay Home? (English)

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When Should my Child Stay Home? (Spanish)

Why Attendance Matters

Academic Achievement


 

Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.

Social and Emotional Development


 

School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.

Future Success


 

Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.

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 our district can assist you, please contact the departments listed below. 

  • Mental Health: School Counselor at each site (Find contact information on each school website under the staff section)
  • Health  Allyson McCabe, School Nurse, amccabe@fortunaesd.com
  • Transportation Tim Grimmett, Community Schools Coordinator, tgrimmett@fortunaesd.com
  • Attendance Office: Contact the office at each individual school site.

Fortuna Elementary School District's Commitment

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. 

We believe that strong partnerships between families and schools are essential for ensuring student success. By working together, we can create a culture of attendance where every student feels motivated and supported to attend school every day.