Attendance
Attendance
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Here Today, Ready Tomorrow!
Here Today, Ready Tomorrow!
Regular attendance at school is important. Students who are frequently absent from school will miss valuable instruction and regular contact with their teachers and peers.
PBSD Policy 204, in accordance with the PDE Compulsory Attendance law, requires the following processes be followed for all school-age students from the time the child enters school until the age of eighteen years. All student absences are counted as unexcused/unlawful until your child’s school receives a written excuse explaining the reason for the absence.
Our District has an obligation to you and to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to support your child’s regular attendance at school.
District Attendance Letters and Student Attendance Improvement Conferences
District Attendance Letters and Student Attendance Improvement Conferences
In our district, we send the following attendance letters when students reach a certain number of days absent:
3 days unexcused (accumulated 3 days without receiving an excuse)
8 days unexcused (accumulated 8 days without receiving an excuse)
10 days excused (student has met max of handwritten notes, must be medical excuses moving forward)
13 days unexcused (accumulated 13 days without receiving an excuse)
Families may also receive a letter about a Student Attendance Improvement Conference (SAIC) to discuss their child's attendance and create a plan. The Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) is developed collaboratively with the student, family, and school to create attainable goals for increasing school attendance. The SAIP can be held at the family's convenience, either in-person, virtually, or over the phone. At the SAIC, all parties have the opportunity to identify, understand, and explore any challenges that may be contributing to the student’s attendance.
For specific attendance information, please contact your child's school office, counselor, or social worker.
Tips for Promoting Positive Attendance Habits at Home
Tips for Promoting Positive Attendance Habits at Home
Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
Find out what day school starts and make sure your child has the required shots.
Introduce your child to their teachers and classmates before school starts to help their transition.
Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind that complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
Develop some backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.
Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Attendance_Works_Tips_for_Staying_Healthy_103123.pdfElementary_Handout_042924.pdfSchool-Attendance-Truancy-The-Basics-2024.pdfMiddle_High_Handout_042924.pdfPage updated
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