Principal

Holly Nielsen

Dear Lake Louise Families,

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! We hope you and your family enjoyed a joyful holiday season and a much-deserved break during our two weeks away from school. It’s wonderful to see our school coming alive again as we begin the new year of learning and growing together.

As we head into this new year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership. The strong connection between home and school makes a real difference for our students. When we work together — supporting routines, attendance, and communication — our children thrive both academically and socially.

Speaking of attendance, regular and on-time attendance is one of the simplest — yet most powerful — ways to support your child’s success in school:

• Students who miss 10% of the school year (about 18 days) are considered chronically absent, and research shows that chronic absence is linked to lower academic achievement and a higher risk of falling behind their peers. (U.S. Department of Education)
• Children who are chronically absent from early grades are much less likely to read at grade level by third grade, a milestone that strongly predicts later academic success. (U.S. Department of Education)
• Students who are chronically absent in middle grades are estimated to be significantly less likely to graduate high school on time. (PubMed)
• Even missing just a few days here and there can add up — students who miss multiple days over time tend to have lower test scores and may struggle to keep up with classroom learning. (Economic Policy Institute)

Every day of school matters, not only for instruction but also for building friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

We know that absences happen — illness, appointments, family needs, and unexpected circumstances are part of life. What matters most is open communication. Please let us know if your child will be absent and reach out if you’re facing challenges that make regular attendance tough. Together, we can problem-solve and connect you with supports so your child can be present and successful.

Thank you for all you do to support your children and our school community. We look forward to a happy, healthy, and successful 2026 at Lake Louise Elementary!

In Partnership,

Holly Nielsen, Proud Lake Louise Elementary Principal