Absenteeism is a lost opportunity for student learning and overall development. Coming to school as often as possible helps them maintain relationships, build communication skills, and other useful capabilities they will use in their futures.
Educators sometimes use attendance as a way to measure how well they are doing in engaging with families & their children. Absences tend to drop when families feel welcome and supported in understanding what their children are learning. However, we know the winter can be a difficult time to engage, with illness going around.
If you have questions about keeping students home due to illness, consult the Health Guidance Handout: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/healthsafety/Documents/EDM%20Health%20Guidance%20for%20Schools/En_Health_Guidance_Handout_2023%20ODE-OHA.pdf