Grades and Attendance

Attendance Policy Summary

Regular and punctual attendance is vital to a student's progress. Washington State law requires that children attend school. We are required, by law, to track absences and identify them as excused or unexcused.

EXCUSED ABSENCES include illness, medical or dental appointments, religious observances and family emergencies. Please report your child’s absence or late arrival prior to the start of the school day.

FAMILY VACATIONS should be planned for non-school days. If there is a special reason for an absence on a school day (e.g. family trip), please print or pick up and complete a Request for Excused Absence form from the main office at least one week prior to the absence and return to the office. Your student's teacher will review your situation and determine whether the absence will adversely affect learning. Based on this information, the principal or assistant principal will determine whether the absence will be excused or unexcused. Prearranged absences due to vacation for more than five days in a school year will not be approved. Failure to follow procedure will result in an unexcused absence. Students may be approved for five prearranged absences per school year.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: State law requires that we follow specific steps for unexcused student absences, including parent conferencing. Students who have ten unexcused absences fall under the BECCA law and must be referred to the courts.

MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS: When your student returns from an excused absence, the teacher will provide make-up assignments, as appropriate. Make-up assignments are not provided in advance.

Any other missed days moving forward for non-school reasons or those outside the valid excuse policy will be unexcused absences.

View Policy 3122