Attendance Information

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

School Board Policy states, “Attendance in school is central to educational achievement and school success.” Every student is encouraged to attend school every day possible. To be counted present, a student shall be in attendance at least one-half of the instructional school day. Phone calls will be made to the homes of absent students to verify the absence. When a student returns to school after an absence, policy requires a dated note signed by a parent/guardian within two school days stating the reason for the absence. Emails will not be accepted. The student should present this note to the designated staff member in the cafeteria from 8:00 to 8:11 AM and receive an admission slip. For an absence to be excused, the reason must meet the standards of WCPSS Board Policy for attendance. Please reference the Student/Parent Handbook for details.

When a student has accumulated unlawful or questionable absences, a letter will be mailed to the home of the student. Students who are absent excessively may risk not being promoted to the next grade. A doctor’s note may be required in cases of repeated or chronic illness. We encourage families to use the school calendar for planning trips. If it becomes necessary for a student to miss school due to a trip, parents are required to make a written request to the principal prior to the absence. For all absences, the student shall complete all work in a timely manner in consultation with teachers. The student is responsible for all missed assignments for every absence.

Tardy Policy

Punctuality to school and class is essential for a student’s success. Students who are late miss and interrupt instruction. A student is considered late if he/she is not at his/her assigned area at the designated time. Students who arrive to school after 8:30 should report to the front office with a note to sign in and get an admission slip. The procedure for determining tardy status (excused and unexcused) will be the same as absences. When a student arrives late for a class, he/she is to be admitted and the tardiness recorded as excused or unexcused. For unexcused tardiness to classes and/or school, students should expect to receive consequences from a teacher or administrator.

Early Departure

Any student who must leave school before the school day ends is required to sign out at the front office. Students are asked to bring a note explaining the reason for early departure and give it to the receptionist at the front office upon arrival to school. If a student returns to school, he/she must sign in at the front office for an admit slip. Due to front office demands at the end of the day, we will not check students out between 2:45 PM and 3:00 PM.