Despite convenience of technology, attendance is imperative

By René Hill

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 | midnight

Editor's note: René Hill is taking the week off. This is a classic column, from Nov. 16, 2007.

The Clark County School District makes it easy and convenient for parents to keep on top of their kids' school work and stay in contact with teachers. The use of technology is being expanded to help parents and students keep track of makeup work when absent and to track the actual absences that the children have.

The School District has ParentLink, which is a great way to see what your child is doing. For most parents, it's as easy as using the family computer and logging onto your child's school's Web site. It can also be used from a telephone. Parents can access the lesson plans and work needed by their children in the event of an absence.

All you need is an access code, which you receive from the school. With this you can find out grades, attendance and more. You can also contact your child's teacher through e-mail.

With all of these conveniences, there is a temptation to let children take more days off from school. After all, they can go online and get their missing assignments, right?

The problem with this is that most teachers are not just passing out worksheets or assigning reading and questions. They are giving information that goes with the work. They are discussing the passages that were read so the students understand, for example, that scene in "Romeo and Juliet."

Remember that school is important, and attendance is a major part of this.

It's also an important lesson for life. You can't just show up for work three or four days a week. Please impress upon your child the importance of attending school every day.

While we all have occasional sick days, it is important to think about what may be missed.

I am making this point because there is a distinct downturn in attendance in schools lately. This may be due to other factors, but the convenience of getting makeup work may be a factor, as well.

René Hill is a special education and former English teacher in the Clark County School District. She can be reached c/o The News, 2360 Corporate Circle, Third Floor, Henderson, NV 89074 or [email protected].