Newsletter: December 1, 2025

Your student's attendance is one of the most impactful ways to support learning. Being at school every day (and on-time) helps students feel successful and less anxious, as well as feeling connected with their peers, their teachers and school routines. While our overall attendance rate for the year is a strong 94%, November has been our lowest month so far at 92% (compared to 96% in September). Winter often brings more challenges with weather and illness, so this is a great time to refocus on strong attendance habits.

Regular attendance sets students up for long-term success! Children who come to school consistently are more likely to stay on track academically, develop positive relationships, and build confidence in the classroom. Missing even a couple of days each month—or frequent tardies—can add up quickly and make it harder for students to keep pace with new learning.

Illness and unexpected situations arise, and students should stay home when they are truly unwell. When possible, though, helping your child maintain steady attendance makes a significant difference.

If your child is reluctant to come to school or you have any concerns, please reach out. We are here to partner with you and support your child’s success in every way we can.

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep students and staff safe during winter weather, BISD is introducing a three-hour delay option for school start times. BISD now has the flexibility to start school two or three hours late when winter weather impacts travel conditions.

This additional delay provides more flexibility on Tuesdays through Fridays, allowing extra time for roads to be cleared and for everyone to travel safely to school.

Our team has been working hard behind the scenes to make this a viable option on snow and ice days—ensuring that schedules, transportation, and meals are all ready to go when the weather requires extra flexibility.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate winter weather together. Our goal is always the same: to get everyone to school safely.

For more information, visit our Inclement Weather Info & FAQs.