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Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page A-27
ESTO ING
n time, all day, every day is
the key to achievement, suc-
cess and graduation. Every
day in school counts. The best place
for learning to take place is live in the
classroom. Missed schooling cre-
ates achievement gaps, missed
learning and can cause a student
to fall behind in reading and
math. Studies show it takes two
days to make up for learning lost
from just one absence. Missing
just two days every month can
amount to one entire month of
lost learning by the end of the
school year. Chronic absentee-
ism is a major risk for student
dropout.
This is why the Shelton schools have
made attendance, specifically increasing
daily attendance in all buildings to 90
percent or greater, one of the six areas
of focus. Attendance is key to student
learning, achievement, grade-level
benchmarks and high school gradua-
tion. With the goal being 100 percent
graduation for all students, attendance
is crucial.
In the past year, the district has
taken a closer look at how attendance is
handled and the steps that can be taken
to keep kids in school. This included
adopting a revised attendance policy
that brings uniformity across the dis-
trict in regard to excu.sed and unexcused
absences and truancy. The focus and
goal is to keep kids in school, with each
building taking a renewed spotlight
on attendance this school year. Last
week, it was announced the renewed
effort is paying off. As of Oct. 20, aver-
age attendance districtwide was 93.69
percent this school year. Families are a
key player in student attendance and
achievement.
Here are some tips for fam 'es to
help their student be successful:
1. Establish basic bedtime and morn-
By JACQUIE
MacALEVY
ing routines. For younger children, lay
out clothes and pack backpacks the
night before. For older students, have
a plan for finishing homework on time
and getting to bed about the same time
each night.
2. Teach children that at-
tendance is important and
show them you mean it. Try
not to plan medical or den-
tal appointments during the
school day or take extended
trips when school is in session.
Don't let children stay home
unless they are truly sicl
Keep in mind that complaints
of a stomach ache or headache
can sometimes be a sign that
your child is anxious about something
at school.
3. If children seem reluctant to go to
school, find out why. Work with teach-
ers, counselors or afterschool providers
to figure out how to turn this around.
4. Develop backup plans for getting to
school. Identify who you can turn to -- an-
other family member, a neighbor or fellow
parents -- to help you get your children to
school if something comes up.
5. Ask for help if you are experienc-
ing tough times. Problems with trans-
portation, housing, jobs or your health
can make it hard to get your children to
school. Remember that school officials,
afterschool providers and community
agencies can help.
Student achievement for all students
with the end result of 100 percent grad-
uation starts with being at school, all
day every day. By making attendance
a priority, we are taking an important
step in supporting each child's school
success. Remember -- every day counts.
• Jacquie MacAlevy is a
communications specialist for the
Shelton School District. She can be
reached at jmacalevy@sheltonschools.org
Join others in voting to re-elect
Randy Neatherlin for Mason
County Commissione6 District 1
MOVING MASON FORWARD
Last Friday night, while I was
waiting for the Shelton Climbers
to take the field for the football
game against Central Kitsap, I decided
to see what was new on Facebook. I
get feeds from a page written
by Leigh Stringer, author of the
best-selling book "The Healthy
Workplace." The post that day
was "10 Easy Ways to Create a
Healthy Workplace."
As you've learned, health in-
volves much more than a trip to
your physician's office or what
your cholesterol levels are. So
many things impact a person's
health, both physically and emo-
tionally. Studies show that people
who are more in charge of their work •
environment are less likely to suffer from
stress and illness and are more produc-
tive, One of my friend's sons worked
for State Farm Insurance at its large
corporate office in Dupont. State Farm
recognized that the employees being
hired needed a different type of environ-
ment than the cubicle desks of the '90s.
Its human resources department led the
way to redesign the workspace by lower-
hag the light level, taking out the cubicle
walls and puttin in soft, comfy couches
and chairs and espresso machines. The
effect was more like an upscale coffee
shop than a corporate workspace.
AS generations of workers' expecta-
tions change, the employer must change
as well. In addition, with today's tech-
nology, telecommuting is easier than
ever. rm very fortunate that I can work
at least half of the time from my home
office. It's large enough to hold meetings
By JEANNE
REHWALDT
and has a separate entrance. In fact, it's
a separate building located behind our
house. The d or, space and location in
the garden make it the most enjoyable
office I've ever worked in.
Even if you can't work from
home, or give your office a cof-
fee shop atmosphere, there are
still things you can do. Rear-
range your space so the desk is
next to a window. More natural
light will decrease eye strain,
improve well-being and if you
sit close enough to a window,
it can help reset your circadian
rhythm and sleep cycle. Bring
in some houseplants to increase
the feeling of being in nature.
AS an added bonus, air quality improves
with living houseplants in the space.
Choose easy-care plants, such as spider
plants and philodendron.
Our two Pomeranians - Simba and
Jack -- watch me like hawks, so they
don't miss out on a chance to go out to the
"Garden Cottage" with me. I can't explain
it, but they are more calm in that build-
ing and seem to just like hanging out
with me. Growing evidence suggests that
pets in the office can have health benefits,
improve morale and even increase col-
laboration among workers. In some cases,
pet owners may work longer hours if they
don't feel they have to rush home to let
their dogs out at the end of the day. Stud-
ies are linking pets in the workplace with
reduced stress among workers.
• Jeanne Rehwaldt is executive director
of Mason Matters. She can be reached at
movingmasonforward@gmail.com.
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There's a Reason... Randy Neatherlin is endorsed by both Republican
and Democrat state senators, representatives, mayors and fellow
commissioners in the region. They enioy working with people who
make things happen. Randy Neatherlin is someone seeking 'win-win'
relationships without partisanship.
There's aReason.., the Veterans and seniors groups appreciate
Commissioner Neatherlin. He has helped implement Veterans' Court,
added Veterans' housing, and assisted with the development of the new
Senior HUB in North Mason.
There's a Reason,.. Randy was elected 'Citizen of the Year' by the Chamber
of Commerce in recognition of his ongoing service to others. Whether
it's work with the Habitat for Humanity, his help with school fundraisers
and civic groups, or his 18 years coaching and leading a local youth sports
organization, Randy has been involved and making a difference in other
people's lives.
There's a Reason... our county has turned its operating budget from an
annual deficit to a working surplus-without raising taxes. Randy is
fiscally responsible and very conscientious with his approach to budget
management.
There's a Reason... Congressman Derek Kilmer endorsed an Independent
with this impressive statement: "Randy is a dedicated public servant who
cares deeply about the future of Mason County and its residents. I have
been proud to partner with Randy in advocating for critical transportation
and infrastructure improvements, the protection of Puget Sound and
Hood Canal, and efforts to grow our local economy:'
Paid for byThe Committee to
Re-elect Randy Neatherlin
PO Box 172, Belfair, WA 98528