Attendance

School Attendance

Attendance is an indicator of success in school. Students are expected to attend school whenever it is in session, except in the case of personal illness or family emergency. Extended absences should be pre-arranged with the Principal when possible. Vacations should be planned in accordance with the school calendar. Absences for family travel will be marked as unexcused. 

Each elementary school maintains a Child Watch program, which tracks each student’s absences.  This is to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our students.  If a parent does not notify the school that their child will be absent, the school calls the parent at home and/or work.  If we are unable to reach a parent, calls may be made to other contacts listed on the School Emergency Form.  If there is no information available about the student’s absence, the Portsmouth Police Department is contacted for a well child check in order to follow-up and ensure that the child is safe.  

Attendance is monitored by classroom teachers, counselors, the nurse and administration. Excessive absences or tardiness may result in needing to meet with school personnel to develop a plan to address the problem. Students who are determined to be habitually truant must be reported to the state. 

Reporting Absences

If your child is going to be absent or late, please report this information to the school through PickUp Patrol; this form goes to the office to account for students. You may also call the office at 436-1708 by 8:00. You can leave a message if you are unable to reach the secretary. If you know of an appointment or need to be out of school ahead of time, you may inform the school through PickUp Patrol prior to the day your child will be out. 

Dismissals During the School Day

• Please do your best to schedule medical and dental appointments after school hours. 

• If a student must be dismissed before the end of the school day, please submit this information through PickUp Patrol indicating the time of dismissal.

• A parent or legal guardian must then sign the child out through the main office; no child will be allowed to leave the building unescorted during the school day.

• If a child returns to school after an appointment, he/she must be signed back in through the office. 

• Please note that students should be dismissed before 2:00 pm or you will be asked to wait until the normal dismissal time.