Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Heidi Barker
(January 30, 2024) - New Beginnings Family Academy (NBFA) provides students a meaningful, high-quality education through experience-based learning that helps them develop essential social, emotional and critical-thinking skills. To better connect NBFA’s mission to our audience, The NBFA Voice will spotlight important matters on academics, social-emotional learning and more from the voices of NBFA.
NBFA Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Heidi Barker shares the need to prioritize attendance for academic success.
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In many aspects of life, we know that showing up is half the battle. That’s especially true for school attendance, as being present and on time increases students’ opportunity for success.
At New Beginnings Family Academy (NBFA), we work together as a team -- parents, guardians, teachers, and school staff -- to ensure students get the full benefits of learning. That includes being in school every day, which allows students to build connections with their teachers, socialize with their peers and excel in their studies. Missing even two days of school a month puts a child at risk of becoming chronically absent and falling behind.
Because attendance is such a critical factor in academic success, NBFA is committed to supporting each student/family in addressing the challenges that students may face in getting to school.
Parents who find it difficult to get their child/ren to school due to financial constraints, transportation issues, or any other factors, are encouraged to reach out for support. We are here to listen, understand and assist in finding solutions that meet the unique needs of your family collaboratively.
We believe that every child has the right to a quality education and we are committed to removing barriers that may hinder their ability to attend school regularly. Together, we can explore options such as:
- Open Communication: Regular communication between parents, guardians, teachers, and school staff is vital. Let us know about the challenges you are facing so that we can collectively address them and support your child's education.
- Resource Connection: Our school has access to various community resources and support services. We can connect you with organizations that may assist with basic needs, such as food, clothing, and healthcare.
- Transportation Support: We can work with local community resources to explore transportation solutions for families.
NBFA is here to work together to create a nurturing and empowering learning environment for every student. Your child's success is our priority and, by fostering open communication and collaboration, we can overcome challenges and ensure that all students have equal opportunities to thrive academically. When we work together, everyone benefits.
“Just to give one example, a NBFA family was having difficulties getting their child to school. The child had been absent four times in the first month of school, which was cause for concern. We partnered with his parents to discuss their challenges and we agreed on ways to resolve it. The following month he came to school each day!” exclaimed Katherine Habansky, NBFA’s Data, Assessment and Research Administrator. “NBFA continues to partner with families so that more children consistently attend school. NBFA’s classrooms are better when all students are present and learning.”
For more editions of The NBFA Voice, please click here.