Regular school attendance is essential to academic achievement and a positive classroom and school environment.
It is difficult to replicate classroom learning for a student who has been absent. Therefore, through the combined efforts of students, parents and the school, students must be encouraged to develop good attendance habits and attitudes.
Students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day. Teachers shall keep a record of absences and tardiness. A student’s grade may be affected by classroom activities missed during an unexcused absence.
Excused Absences
Students must remain on school grounds for the duration of the school day once they arrive at school, unless officially excused by the attendance office. Per school board policy, all student absences are excused for the following reasons:
- Participation in school-approved activity
- Absence caused by illness, health condition, family emergency
- Absence for parent/guardian pre-approved activities, vacations
- Absence for religious purposes
- Absence resulting from disciplinary actions or suspension
- Extended illness or health condition
Make-Up Assignments
In the case of an absence from class due to an excused absence, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the teacher to make arrangements for completing missed work. Each teacher sets guidelines as to when the make-up assignments are due.
Extended Absences
Absences that will require your child to miss school for more than 3 days, please complete the Extended Absence Request Form and submit to the office at least five(5) school days prior to the absence.
If the absence has already occurred, please have your student turn in the signed form to the office upon their return.
Unexcused Absences/BECCA Bill
The Washington State Compulsory School Attendance and Admission Law (also known as the BECCA Bill) requires a school district to take the following actions to ensure that children attend school, with the goal of reducing the number of unexcused absences by the student.
- Notify parents when unexcused absences occur
- Upon the 7th unexcused absence within a 30 day period or 15 unexcused absences in a school year, the truancy law requires that the school district file a petition with the juvenile court (RCW 28A.225.030)
Excused Tardy/Late Arrival
Students who are tardy need to bring a written note or have a parent call the attendance office to verify the reason for the tardiness. Upon arrival to school, students must check in at the main office and get an admit slip to class. After four unexcused tardies per quarter, students will be subject to lunch detention and reflection sheet. After six unexcused tardies, students will be subject to 1 lunch detention and accountability circle with Administrators. Students with 8 unexcused tardies are subject to Tardy Tracker. Further tardy problems will result in additional disciplinary action.
Our 24 hour attendance phone line is: 360-662-2300, extension 2330.
Excused tardies may include
- Medical/dental appointment
- Family emergency or other urgent business as excused by parent
- Illness
- Late bus or other emergency situations announced by the office
Tardy to Class
Students tardy to class are subject to the same discipline as above. The administration will intervene on chronic tardiness problems.
Consequences for all combined Unexcused Tardies:
4 Tardies = 1 lunch detention and reflection sheet
6 Tardies = 1 lunch detention and accountability circle with Administrators
8 Tardies = Tardy Tracker
Note: All unexcused student tardies are cumulative for one quarter. Attendance can affect a student’s grade. Students who attend school on a regular basis demonstrate better academic skills.
Early Dismissal/Permission to Leave School Grounds
Students who need to leave school during the regular day must present a note from their parent requesting the time and reason for the early dismissal or a parent phone call, giving at least 60 minutes notice prior to the requested dismissal time, to the Attendance Office at 360-662-2300, extension 2330. Parents and/or students should arrange for early dismissal through the Attendance Office as early as possible.