January 26, 2026

Dear FUSD Families,

We hope your semester is off to a great start! As we move into the new term, we want to thank you for all you do to support your student’s success and share a few helpful reminders about attendance and the supports available to families.

Why we want students in school every day

Learning is more than completing assignments. It is the day-to-day experiences that build skills, confidence, and connection. When students attend consistently, they benefit from:

• Direct instruction and guided practice that can’t be fully replicated at home

• Class discussions, hands-on learning, and group work that deepen understanding

• Relationships, belonging, and support from trusted adults

• Immediate feedback and help when they need it

A few quick reminders to support strong attendance

• Keep a steady routine: Consistent sleep and morning prep can make school days smoother, especially during winter months.

• Prioritize being on time: Arriving on time helps students start the day calm, connected, and ready to learn.

• Report absences promptly: If your student will be absent, please let your school know as soon as possible by calling the front office or reporting it in ParentSquare.

• Get back on track quickly: If your student has missed school, reaching out early helps us make a plan to get them reconnected and caught up.

If something is getting in the way, we’re here to help

We understand that attendance can be impacted by many factors, including illness, mental health (stress/anxiety), transportation barriers, appointments, safety or belonging concerns (including peer conflict/bullying), basic needs challenges (food, housing, clothing/laundry, school supplies), or family responsibilities.

If attendance is becoming a pattern, please reach out early. Our goal is to support families and problem-solve together. Schools can help connect you to the right people and resources.

Start at your school: Call your school office and ask to speak with the nurse, counselor, social worker, or McKinney-Vento liaison (housing support).

Academic support/tutoring: If your student needs extra help, contact your teacher or school office to ask about tutoring, intervention time, and after-school supports available at your campus. You can also find tutoring and other community resources through our Family Resource Center: https://www.fusd1.org/family-resource-center-home

FUSD Homeless Services: Find supports if you are experiencing housing instability: https://www.fusd1.org/homeless-services-home

Flagstaff Family Food Center: Find meal and grocery assistance: https://hotfood.org/

FUSD Health Services: Find free and affordable healthcare options: https://www.fusd1.org/health-services 

TERROS: Mental health crisis hotline for Northern Arizona: 1 (877) 756-4090 

The Guidance Center: Mental health services for individuals of all ages: (928) 527-1899 or https://tgcaz.org/ 

Community resources: Call 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 Arizona for local help with food, housing, utilities, childcare, and more

Thank you for partnering with us. Your support makes a difference, and we’re grateful to be part of your child’s learning journey because Every Day Counts.