Attendance

• Every school day counts.

• Students who attend regularly do better — socially, emotionally, and academically.

• Showing up every day builds confidence, routine, and habits for success.

• Missing just 2 days a month adds up to over 18 days a year — nearly a full month of learning.

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Even when a student says “I don’t feel good,” many times they are just tired or having a rough morning. A full day at school — with structure, movement, and connection —

 often helps them feel better!

• Students are expected to arrive on time every day.

• Students arriving after 9:10 AM must:

  • Be signed in at the main office by a parent/guardian.

  • Will be marked tardy in SchoolTool.

• Repeated tardiness or early pickups can cause students to miss important instruction and morning routines.

• New York State law requires all children to attend school every day school is in session, unless they have a valid, excused reason.

• Absences must be documented and fall under state-approved reasons such as:

  • Student illness

  • Medical appointment

  • Religious observance

  • Family emergency

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“Not feeling like it,” vacation, or leaving early 

for convenience are not excused under NYS law.

• If your child is absent, complete the form by 9:00 AM:
  WAY-COH Elementary Absence Reason Form

• Please include:

• Your child's first and last name.

• Date(s) of the illness or appointment

• Student’s first and last name

• Date of the illness or appointment

• Specific reason for the student’s absence (doctor/dentist name if appropriate) or the business to be conducted

• Whether your child typically rides a bus.  If your child usually rides the bus, reporting the absence helps avoid unnecessary stops.

• Vacations should be planned when school is not in session.

• If your family must travel during school, submit a request in writing to our principal, Mrs. Carhart at tcarhart@wccsk12.org.

• Teaching and learning today rely heavily on group discussion, hands-on activities, guided practice, and real-time feedback—all of which are difficult or impossible to recreate outside the classroom. While we understand that travel sometimes overlaps with school days, missed learning can’t be bottled up and sent home the way it might have been years ago. When students miss several days in a row, it can be hard to reconnect with classroom routines and lessons. Planning vacations around school breaks helps your child stay confident, connected, and on track.

• We understand that routines are hard, mornings are busy, and sometimes it’s easier to just say "yes" when your child asks to stay home. But the most important thing you can do for your child’s success is help them show up.

• If your child is anxious or struggling to attend, reach out. We’re here to help.
  
  

• If you need help setting routines or making school a daily habit, we’ll support you.
  
  

• Together, we can build the consistency students need to thrive.

We know every family is different, and some mornings are tougher than others. If your child is missing school or asking to stay home often, let us know. We may be able to help in one of the following ways:

• Help with routines:
  We can share tips or help you build a morning plan that works for your family.

• Nurse check-ins:
  If your child often says they don’t feel good, we can arrange for a quick nurse visit when they arrive at school.

• Student Support Team:
  Our Student Support Team can check-in with students who are feeling anxious or having a hard time with school routines or transitions.

• Behavior or transition support:
  If your child struggles with motivation, behavior or getting started, we can help with strategies or supports at school and home.

• Friendly accountability:
  Some families appreciate a quick call or check-in to help build school habits. Just let us know if this would help you.

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Need help? Contact us anytime:

Main Office: 585-728-3547

For full details on our District's attendance procedures and our  

Board of Education Attendance Policy, access the following resources: