At Marshalltown Community School District, we want every child to grow, learn, and build a bright future. When students come to school every day starting in preschool and all the way through 12th grade, they are not only learning but also making friends and building important skills for life. Regular attendance helps prepare all learners to succeed in school and beyond, giving them the knowledge, confidence, and positive mindset they need to reach their goals and become engaged citizens in our diverse world.

We understand that life brings challenges, whether it’s illness, family responsibilities, work schedules, or transportation issues. At the same time, missing too much school can make it harder for students to keep up and can create gaps in their learning. Even just a few missed days each month can make it harder to read, solve math problems, or grasp new ideas. School is like climbing a staircase: each step builds on the one before it, and skipping steps makes the climb more difficult.

Family plays an especially important role in shaping how children view school. When parents/guardians, grandparents, aunts/uncles, and older siblings show that school matters, children believe it matters too. Routines like keeping a regular bedtime, preparing school materials the night before, and talking with children about what they learned can set the tone for success. And when challenges come up, reaching out to the school can open doors to resources and support. At MCSD, we know that the partnership between school and family is one of the most important relationships in a child’s life, and we actively work alongside families and community organizations to provide meaningful opportunities for growth and achievement.

Our wider community that includes neighbors, mentors, churches, local businesses, and organizations, also plays a key role. When the community comes together to encourage students, mentor young people, celebrate family traditions, and offer resources, it makes it easier for families to get children to school every day.

When children see that their education matters to their family, their culture, and their community, they understand its value. Every single school day is a building block for their future, academically, socially, and emotionally. By working together, we are not only helping our students improve attendance, we are honoring our families, lifting up our culture, and strengthening our whole community.

——

Anel Garza is the Director of Student Services

and Dr. Elizabeth Harris-Medina is the District Attendance Coordinator for Marshalltown Community School District. Garza can be reached at agarza@marshalltown.k12.ia.us and Harris-Medina at eharrismedina@marshalltown.k12.ia.us. The district educates over 5,000 students to have the skills for a rapidly changing world. Learn more by visiting www.marshalltown.k12.ia.us.