School Attendance Matters!

Regular attendance helps students stay on track with their learning, build strong relationships, and feel connected to their school community. When school attendance is made a priority, students get better grades, develop healthy life habits, avoid dangerous behavior, and have a

better chance of graduating from high school. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76 requires that all children between the ages of 6-16 attend school daily.

After reviewing student attendance data with each building principal following our first two weeks of school, we have identified some themes that I would like to address:

Transportation

Now that the District has taken responsibility for our own transportation system and no longer contracting out those services, we are working to provide ALL students with transportation to and from school. While we are prioritizing eligible student riders, we are also working to provide ineligible riders with transportation, as needed. If your child is in need of school transportation, please email trans@framingham.k12.ma.us with your child’s Student ID (LASID) number that can be found in your student's Aspen/X2 portal account.

Immigration Concerns

We recognize that some families may have concerns related to immigration and customs  enforcement (ICE). Please know that our schools are safe and welcoming places for all students and families. We are committed to supporting every child, and we do not share personal or immigration information. Our schools continue to be spaces that provide education, nutrition, socialization, and support services for all Framingham students and unless there is a very specific and legally authorized reason for officials to come to any of our schools, ICE does not and will not have a place on our school property.

Weather & Weather Resources

We understand that weather conditions can sometimes make getting to school more difficult. Please know that we are here to support you. If you need help with transportation, warm clothing, or other resources, reach out to us. We are committed to working with families to remove barriers for our students. Unless school is canceled, weather should not be a reason for your student to miss school. 

Sickness

Many people believe that walking to school in cold or rainy weather can make children sick, but this is a myth. Illnesses such as colds and the flu are caused by exposure to viruses or bacteria, not by being outside in chilly or wet conditions. While cooler weather can bring people indoors where germs are spread more easily, the weather itself does not cause illness. The best protection for children is regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick, following the Framingham Public Schools illness guidelines:

Please keep your child home if they have any of the following:

• a fever above 100.0;

• vomiting;

• 2+ episodes of diarrhea (watery, runny stool);

• a productive cough; or

• cannot stay awake due to not feeling well 

Students who have chronic health conditions can come to school. Caregivers can feel confident sending their child to school knowing that a trained school nurse is available to administer daily medications, perform necessary treatments, and respond to any health emergencies that may arise. The presence of a nurse ensures that students’ medical needs are managed safely during the school day, allowing them to fully participate in learning and school activities while caregivers focus on their own responsibilities without worry. If you are unsure of what your school nurse can provide during the school day, please contact Aurelia Medina, Coordinator of Health Services, at amedina@framingham.k12.ma.us.

Family Travel

The school calendar is published in the early spring of each year and should serve as a guide for scheduling family travel to ensure that no school days are missed. Family travel during school is not an excused absence. Absences not only impact student learning and classroom connectedness, it also negatively impacts the overall accountability of the school and district by the State.

What do I need to do if my student will be absent from school?

When a student is absent from school, caregivers are responsible for notifying the school

on the day of the absence by calling the school office or absence reporting line and providing the following information:

● Parent/guardian name

● Student’s name

● Return phone number

● Reason for the absence

Early Release Days

Early Release Days, though shorter than a typical school day, are not days that should be missed. On Early Release Days, teachers continue with lessons, introduce new material, and build on the work being done throughout the week. Missing these days means missing important instruction, classroom discussions, and opportunities to stay on track.

Thank you for your partnership in ensuring that all students attend school each day. We only have 180 days of school and every day matters!

Very truly yours,

Bob Tremblay, Superintendent of Schools