School attendance is among the biggest predictors of academic success, and the importance of establishing good attendance habits begins in Kindergarten, school district officials say.

Missing just two or three days each month can quickly add up, according to Jennie Tibbitts, the BECCA Coordinator for Federal Way Public Schools. Chronic absences can translate into third-graders unable to master reading, sixth-graders failing courses and ninth-graders dropping out of high school.

“Students must be at school to learn, succeed and prepare for a bright future,” Tibbitts said. “The link between attendance and academic achievement is clear. It’s crucial for families, school staff and the community to work together to prevent chronic school absence.”

To read more about school attendance, visit www.fwps.org/schoolresources/attendance/.