Gibbon Nation,
The 2026-27 school calendar is now available on the district's website.
As you review the calendar for next year, we respectfully ask that you consider the dates when school is not in session and when you schedule family vacation, trips, etc. The first reason - parents and families play a critical role in the level of a school's performance as measured by the Nebraska Department of Education. You might ask the question, “Really, how?” Student attendance and absences are included in the criteria for measuring performance for the entire district and for each school building. When students are not in school, that data is collected by the school and then shared with NDE. The total number of absences is calculated and a score is given for that result.
The second, and most important reason. There is a strong connection between a student's attendance and their academic performance. Research confirms that the more a student misses school, the less success they will experience in their academic endeavors, increases the possibility of dropping out of school, and leaves students without the skills to successfully compete in a 21st century workforce.
The third and final reason. Attending school is known as a "soft skill." In terms of a soft skill ... is associated with being reliable and dependable. Regular attendance is the precursor to the skills businesses will continue to expect and require of their employees. Students who don't develop the habits associated with good attendance in the early years will find it difficult to develop them as adults. Consistent attendance acts as a key indicator of employee commitment, with poor attendance leading to termination. It is crucial to productivity and team morale.
While we do not want students in school when they are ill, we do want to raise the number of times a student is present when school is in session.
It is our hope that you found this information useful.
Thank you.
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