Dear Orrville Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you and your students had a wonderful, restful winter break. As we return to the hallways and classrooms of Orrville, we are so excited to see our students' faces and dive back into learning.
As we start this fresh chapter in 2026, I want to share a quick reflection on something that makes a massive difference in your child’s success: being here, on time, every single day.
Research consistently shows that consistent school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student achievement. When students are in class, they aren’t just learning math or reading; they are building a foundation for their future.
Why it matters:
Academic Momentum: Lessons build on one another. Being present ensures your child doesn’t have to "play catch-up," which reduces school-related stress.
Life Habits: Punctuality and reliability are "soft skills" that employers value most. By helping your child get to school on time now, you are helping them build habits that will serve them for a lifetime.
Community: Every time a student is absent, our "Red Rider" community feels it. We miss their voice, their ideas, and their energy!
We know that life happens—illnesses and emergencies occur. However, our goal this year is to work together to minimize "preventable" absences. Whether it’s setting an earlier bedtime or prepping backpacks the night before, those small routines lead to big wins.
Thank you for being our partners in education. Let’s make the rest of this school year the best yet!
Warmly,
Dr. Toth