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Showing Up for Success: Rethinking Attendance at Indiana Digital Learning School 

Guidance & Support
Showing Up for Success: Rethinking Attendance at Indiana Digital Learning School

September is Attendance Awareness Month, a timely reminder of the tremendous value of showing up and engaging each day. This comes as schools and families across Indiana are focused on keeping students on track this fall and conversations around attendance are front and center. 

For most people, “school attendance” brings to mind morning bus routes, hallway lockers, and rigid classroom desks. While learning at Indiana Digital Learning School (INDLS) looks much different than a traditional brick-and-mortar building, daily engagement remains the heartbeat of our academic community. 

Virtual attendance isn’t about staring at a computer screen for seven uninterrupted hours. Instead, it’s about building daily habits, actively participating, and staying connected so students can reach their full potential. 

What Does “Showing Up” Look Like at INDLS? 

As a tuition-free online public school serving K–12 students across Indiana, INDLS operates on the state’s official school calendar. But rather than taking a single roll call at 8:00 AM, virtual attendance is reflected through three steady learning habits: 

  • Joining Live Class Connects: Stepping into real-time, interactive virtual sessions led by state-certified Indiana teachers to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and dive into lessons. 
  • Keeping Up with Daily Coursework: Working through scheduled assignments and module steps in the Online Learning System (OLS) to maintain consistent academic momentum. 
  • Staying in Touch with Teachers: Partnering 1-on-1 with instructors, advisors, and support staff to celebrate wins, review progress, and get individualized help when concepts get tricky. 

Flexibility Meets Structure 

A common misunderstanding about online learning is that flexibility means learning is optional. While INDLS gives families the freedom to structure their learning days around work schedules, family obligations, or unique pacing needs, online public school still relies on a dedicated daily routine. Showing up consistently Monday through Friday builds the confidence students need to thrive. 

 

When students actively engage every day, the results speak for themselves. Consistent daily effort lays the groundwork for major academic milestones including but not limited to mastering foundational math and literacy skills.  

Partnering with Learning Coaches 

Virtual education thrives on teamwork, and our Learning Coaches (parents, guardians, or family mentors) play an essential role. While INDLS teachers lead the instruction and curriculum, Learning Coaches help set the stage for success at home. 

Here are three simple ways Learning Coaches can support daily attendance this month and beyond: 

  1. Establish a Daily Rhythm: Create consistent start and end times for the school day to build reliable habits. 
  1. Build a Distraction-Free Zone: Set up a quiet, comfortable learning space dedicated to focus and Class Connect sessions. 
  1. Do a Daily Afternoon Check-In: Spend 5 minutes in the Learning Coach Portal each afternoon reviewing completed lessons, tracking logged time, and reading teacher updates. 

When students consistently show up, connect, and participate, there is no limit to what they can achieve! 

Current INDLS Families: Log into your Learning Coach Portal today to review your student’s September progress goals, verify attendance records, and send a message of encouragement to your child’s teachers! 

Prospective Families: Looking for a tuition-free online public school option that offers real flexibility alongside dedicated teacher support? Discover how INDLS can work for your family today! 

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