Holiday Messaging

Keep Up the Routine of Attendance!

Absenteeism often spikes in the winter months, as holiday travel, bad weather and illness conspire to keep students home from school. Districts and schools should communicate early and often with families about dates and expectations, especially during the holiday season.

  • Remind students and families about dates for holiday breaks and when school resumes.
  • Use text messaging to send reminders.
  • Provide contact information for organizations that can support families if they need help during school closures.
  • Plan celebratory events before and after each holiday break to welcome back staff and students.
Seasons Greetings - small

Attendance Works has developed messaging, letters and handouts for families to encourage good attendance around the winter holidays. We recommend:

  • Send a letter out (see below) before Thanksgiving and again in the weeks before the longer winter break urging students and families to avoid absences.

  • Include the name and contact information for the school, and for organizations that can provide support to families if they need help.

  • Stress the importance of avoiding unnecessary health-related absences.

  • Share health flyers and encourage students and families to take steps to stay healthy and avoid getting sick, as well as only miss school if they are truly ill.

  • Let families know that every day of school is an important opportunity for students to recover from the uncertainties of the last few years – to learn, connect to peers and teachers and benefit from classroom instructions.

  • Plan a special event for the first day after the holiday break to welcome students and staff back. If the school or teachers are equipped to text parents, send a text right before school starts again to remind them of special plans.

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who continues to help students stay engaged, healthy and learning!

  • Download a Thanksgiving-themed letter in English and Spanish

  • Download a letter to send before the winter break holidays in English and Spanish

Updated December 2025