If Your Child Needs More Help...

AUSD educators and administrators care deeply about supporting all students and have a range of tools to help address student challenges. If your child seems to be struggling at school, they are here to partner with you regarding ways to get back on track. This guide will help you to consider steps you can take. Your child's teacher is your primary contact to work together to support your student.

Attendance
Is your child struggling with attendance? Research indicates a strong link between regular attendance and academic success, as well as connection to school and social-emotional well-being.

Attendance is important at every grade level! Your child should go to school every day for instruction, to continue academic growth, for the social/emotional benefits of being part of our school community, and for physical fitness.

If your child is sick, they should stay home.
If your child is resisting going to school, please reach out first to your child’s teacher for support and then the principal, if needed.

Sleep
Sleep is essential for students’ overall well-being, emotional regulation, and academic success. Please support your child’s sleep habits by setting clear bedtime expectations and routines and by removing screens two hours prior to sleep. If your child has a phone or other devices, dock them outside of their bedroom for the night.

Healthy Breakfast and Lunch
Free breakfast is available to everyone in the morning starting at 8am at school. Lunch is free for all students.

Academic Concerns
Your child’s teacher is your first and best resource for information and support.

As is age-appropriate, encourage your child to seek clarification and support directly from their teacher.
When more support is needed, a simple email can clarify questions about classwork, missing assignments, homework, or tests.
Request a meeting or phone call if you want to have an in-depth discussion about your child. This type of discussion is not possible during regular drop-off and pick-up times.
Be prepared and take full advantage of fall and spring conferences. Let the teacher know in advance if you have specific questions or concerns.
If additional support feels necessary, please discuss with the teacher further interventions and supports that the school has available. A Student Success Team meeting, which includes the adults at school and home who can support your child, may be called after other interventions tried by the teacher have been exhausted. Your child’s principal can be another resource.

Social-Emotional Concerns
Your child’s teacher is your first and best resource for information and support.

You can support your child’s social emotional well-being with healthy sleep and eating habits as well as clear limitations related to electronics.
Help your child to reach out to and connect with classmates as they form new friendships and connections.
Conflict is a normal part of a child’s development and social experience. When your child experiences conflict, support them in expressing their own needs as well as holding a place for empathy. When more support is needed, reach out to your child’s teacher.
If additional support feels necessary, please discuss with the teacher further interventions and supports that the school has available. A Student Success Team meeting, which includes the adults at school and home who can support your child, may be called after other interventions tried by the teacher have been exhausted. Your child’s principal can be another resource.