Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,
Welcome back to a new and exciting school year! I am thrilled to kick off my first year as superintendent with what promises to be a year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences.
Opening days are important. I was so pleased with the excitement our administrators, teachers, staff, and service personnel brought to the first day of school. Enthusiasm is contagious. As I travel around the district I am so excited to see this energy continue with our students. We are looking forward to a great year!
This year we are partnering with Communities in Schools on an attendance initiative. We are calling ours “Bulldogs in the Building.” When students miss school they clearly cannot benefit from the instruction offered or the opportunity to engage and develop positive relationships at school. Students missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason—excused, unexcused absences and suspensions—can translate into students having difficulty learning to read by the third-grade, achieving in middle school, and graduating from high school.
The West Virginia State Legislature recently passed new attendance laws. Here are some important changes
· Parents/Guardians MUST provide excuses within 3 school days of return to school
· There is an absolute maximum of 10 parent/guardian notes per year
· Parent notes are for illness and injury of student or family member that prevents student attendance
· Doctor’s excuses do not count against parent note limit
Please keep a look out for construction vehicles at the Early Learning Academy. We are increasing parking at the school in the very near future. The new parking should help alleviate some of the issues when we invite the community into the building.
I want to give a heartfelt welcome to our new families joining us this year! We are excited to have you as part of our school community and look forward to the positive impact your presence will bring. To our returning families, thank you for your continued support and dedication. We are eager to build on the successes of the past year and work together towards new goals.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Here’s to a fantastic start to the school year!
Scott Cochran
Doddridge County Schools Superintendent