Attendance Protocols

Teacher/Parent Communication Regarding Absences

WCPSS developed an Attendance Standard Protocol to reflect a Multi-Tiered System of Support.  In an effort to follow WCPSS Guidelines and best practice, to build positive relationships with parents, and to show care and concern of students, the protocol for teachers contacting parents regarding absences is as follows: 

Contacting Parents

• After three unexcused absences and/or when there is a concern about attendance affecting students’ progress:   Teachers should be the first to contact parents, trying multiple avenues (Phone Call/Voicemail, Email, Talking Points) until you are able to reach them.  

• If a student has been absent for 3 days in a row with no communication from the parent, please reach out to the family using multiple avenues.  If the student does not return and there is no response from the parent, contact the school social worker and counselor.  (Feel free to reach out sooner.)

• If there is concern about academic progress and the number of excused absences, teachers should also be the first to reach out to parents regarding how the student’s absences are affecting academic progress.

• Here are “Sample Scripts for Parent Contacts” provided by WCPSS.  

• Handouts and Resources for PreK, Kindergarten, and Elementary (in multiple languages) in communicating with parents.

• Feel free to contact school social worker for guidance or questions, if needed, before making parent contact.

Referral to School Social Worker

If efforts have been made by the teacher and the parent cannot be reached OR the attendance does not improve after the parent has been initially reached, the teacher should email the school social worker.  The email should include the following information: 

• The student’s name

• The date/s the parent/s were contacted

• The contact method used (Including the phone number/email address contacted)

• Any Information about the parent’s response and/or how attendance is specifically impacting the student’s academic progress

• Feel free to set up a time to talk to school social worker in person or call the parents together if you prefer.