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Attendance Awareness Month: What Attendance Really Means at Indiana Gateway Digital Academy

Guidance & Support

September is Attendance Awareness Month, a time that reminds us about the importance of showing up and engaging every day. Across Indiana, school attendance is a top priority as parents, educators, and state leaders work to keep students on track. 

When people hear the word “attendance,” they usually think of catching a morning bus, listening for a homeroom bell, or sitting in a classroom for hours. While our students’ day-to-day at Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA) may not include those traditional elements of a brick-and-mortar experience, showing up and participating are critical pillars to our students’ success.  

Virtual attendance isn’t about sitting in front of a screen all day without moving. It’s about daily engagement, active participation, and building habits that help students thrive both academically and personally. 

How Attendance Works at INGDA 

Because INGDA is a fully online tuition-free public school, our students follow Indiana’s mandatory school year calendar. However, instead of taking roll call once a day at 8 a.m., our virtual attendance is measured through three core daily habits: 

  • Live Class Connect Sessions: Logging into live, interactive lessons with state-certified Indiana teachers to ask questions, work through problems, and connect with classmates. 
  • Daily Curriculum Progress: Completing scheduled lessons and assignments in the Online Learning System (OLS) to keep skills sharp and course pacing on track. 
  • Regular Teacher Communication: Checking in 1-on-1 with teachers, counselors, and academic support staff to share progress and get extra help when needed. 

One of the biggest myths about online school is that “flexible learning” means you only log in when you feel like it. While INGDA offers families the flexibility to adapt daily schedules around work shifts, appointments, or extracurricular activities, online public school still requires a dedicated, daily time commitment. Staying consistent Monday through Friday gives students the routine they need to feel confident and successful.  

When students show up and participate every day, great things happen! Consistent engagement is directly tied to meeting critical academic milestones such as mastering foundational math and reading skills.  

Missing days in a virtual setting can cause quiet gaps in learning that make school feel overwhelming down the road. 

Creating the Conditions for Students to Show Up and Engage  

Online learning is a partnership, and our Learning Coaches are the secret ingredient to student success! While our certified teachers handle the instruction and grading, Learning Coaches help create a home environment where learning can happen smoothly. 

With that in mind, below are three key habits that can help set your student up for success each day this school year: 

  1. Keep a Daily Routine: Set predictable start and end times for the school day to build healthy habits. 
  1. Designate a Workspace: Set up a quiet, comfortable space with minimal distractions for Class Connect sessions. 
  1. Check the Portal Daily: Use your Learning Coach Portal every afternoon to review completed lessons, track logged attendance, and view teacher announcements. 

When students consistently show up and engage, there’s no limit to what they can achieve! 

Current INGDA Families: Log into your Learning Coach Portal today to check your student’s September progress goals and verify attendance logs! 

Prospective Families: Interested in a tuition-free online public school option that combines flexibility with real teacher support? Click here to learn more about enrolling at INGDA! 

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