3Things to Know
1. American Founders and Constitution Month: We have been encouraged by Governor Cox to celebrate our American Founders and Constitution this month. Our school has been learning fun facts about the our founders and the Constitution through our weekly announcements, on a bulletin board put together by our Student Council, and in library class. The Utah Bar is proud to help families connect with the Constitution in meaningful and engaging ways. Please visit: https://www.utahbar.org/constitution-day/ for more information.
2. Every Day Counts: Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, has risen significantly nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, and Burton Elementary is no exception. Last year, 10.82% of our students were identified as chronically absent. Regular attendance is essential for student success, and we are committed to addressing this issue head-on.
This year, we are launching several attendance initiatives to encourage and reward consistent school attendance:
"Blue Ticket" Days: On designated days, students who are present will receive a Blue Ticket, which they can enter into a monthly prize drawing. These fun incentives are designed to build excitement and highlight the importance of being present.
Term 1 Scooter Giveaway: Students who maintain at least 85% attendance per Term 1 will be entered into a special drawing for a brand-new scooter or bike. This is just one way we are celebrating commitment and consistency.
Family Communication: We are also improving communication with families through attendance letters to ensure they are informed and supported in helping their children attend school regularly.
We believe that every day counts. Regular attendance builds not only academic skills but also habits of responsibility and resilience. With your support, we can work together to reduce chronic absenteeism and help every student thrive.
3. Safe Routes Utah: At Burton, student safety is always a top priority and that includes the journey to and from school. One valuable resource available to our families is Safe Routes Utah, a program designed to make walking and biking to school safer, easier, and more accessible for students of all ages.
Safe Routes Utah offers a variety of tools and resources to support families, including:
Safety tips for walking and biking
Interactive safe route maps to help students choose the best paths to school
Educational materials to teach students about traffic safety and awareness
Community programs that encourage healthy and active transportation
As part of practicing safe habits, it's especially important that students use crosswalks at all times. Crosswalks are designed to provide a safer way to cross streets and ensure that students are more visible to drivers.
By using Safe Routes Utah and reinforcing safe practices like using crosswalks, we can work together as a school community to promote student safety, reduce traffic congestion around the school, and encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
To learn more and explore the resources available, visit https://saferoutes.utah.gov/