Instilling professional responsibility is part and parcel of your teaching mandate. If a student with excellent attendance stops coming to class and has not been in touch, try phoning. Your expression of concern can mean a lot. If the phone is disconnected, try writing. If the card or letter is returned, you will know that the student has moved and probably won't be coming back.
Formal questionnaires are one way.
The response can double as a writing sample. Public Library Encourage students to get a public library card and to use library resources. Relax Relax, and remember that the students are adults, often returning to school after being away for many years. They may be just as nervous as you are. New Teacher, New Class Bring handouts suitable for a mixed reading level, and get to know your students as individuals and as a learning group in the first few days.