Monday message 10.28.2019

Aloha, Parents and Guardians, 

“Education can only fulfill its promise as the great equalizer — a force that can overcome differences in privilege and background — when we work to ensure that students are in school every day and receive the support they need to learn and thrive. Students who are chronically absent — meaning they miss at least 15 days of school in a year — are at serious risk of falling behind in school.” — U.S. Dept. of Education

As the Alaka’i O Kaua’i school director, I am excited to see your children come to school every day. I enjoy seeing learners engaged in the learning process every day as they gain new information about many different topics and subject areas. 

I am sure you will agree that Alaka’i O Kaua’i learners are fortunate to be surrounded by such a rich learning environment; however, this will not occur for learners who are not at school on time, every day. We understand there are times when a learner cannot attend school due to illness or a personal situation at home; however, although we appreciate you not sending learners to school when they are sick, I want to encourage you to get them to school as soon as they recuperate. 

I will end with the following finding: “Research has also found that ‘children who are chronically absent in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by third grade. Students who cannot read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than proficient readers to drop out of high school.’” 

Thank you for choosing Alaka’i o Kaua’i school as a place to educate your children. I personally respect your choice of school, since all of you could have very easily chosen another school. 

Mahalo! 

Sincerely, 

Frederick A. Birkett, Ed.M
School Director