Importance of Attendance

Attendance affects achievement. Students who are chronically absent (missing 10% or 18 days of school) may fall behind academically. Regular attendance fosters a strong foundation for learning and can indicate when a student needs support. By 6th grade, students with regular attendance are more likely to graduate high school compared to their chronically absent peers. Attendance is a collective effort between school staff and families to support student success.

Our Commitment

We track daily attendance and address absences promptly, work with families to understand and overcome attendance challenges, and provide necessary resources and support. School staff, including classroom teachers, school counselors, administrators, and the school nurse, are here to help.

Your Role

• Send your child to school daily: Ensure daily attendance unless there are clear signs of illness (e.g., fever, vomiting, severe cough).

• Establish routines: Maintain regular evening routines and schedule appointments outside school hours when possible. If not possible, complete a pre-arranged absence form or provide a doctor’s note.

• Communicate absences: Notify the school of absences promptly, no later than 2 days after the absence.

How to Excuse an Absence

Parents or caregivers must notify the school via written note, phone call (360.877.5463 ext. 225 or ext. 200), or text (360.490.2651). Include the reason for the absence.

Types of Absences

• Excused Absences: Illness, family emergency, religious/cultural reasons, mental health, court, homelessness, foster care, student safety, or approved activities.

• Unexcused Absences: Absences not on the approved list or not communicated within 2 school days. Administrators may deem an absence unexcused even with communication if the absences are excessive or for reasons within family/student control (e.g., sleeping in, missing the bus).

• Pre-Arranged Absences:

  Pre-arranged absences must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance, not exceed 5 days, and include a plan to ensure the student does not fall behind. When assignments are not completed within the determined timeframe, the absence may be deemed unexcused.

• Mental Health Absences:

  Mental health absences are excused. Contact the school counselor or administration for support if needed. Reasons include but are not limited to counseling, mental health wellness appointments, or behavioral health appointments.

Excessive Absences

After 10 absences in a school year, a conference will be held to create an academic and attendance plan. Any absences beyond 15 days will be unexcused unless justified by a doctor's note or other valid reason.

Tardiness

Students arriving after 8:40 am must be checked in by a parent or caregiver. More than 15 tardies in a school year will prompt a meeting to identify and address barriers.

Attendance Conference

When absences exceed state guidelines or district policy, a meeting will be scheduled to discuss barriers and supports. The conference will include at least one school district employee such as an administrator, nurse, counselor, social worker, teacher, or community human services provider.

Community Engagement Board

For students with more than 7 unexcused absences, a board meeting will be held to find solutions and create an attendance agreement.

State Attendance Law – RCW 28A.225.010

Mandatory attendance in our state requires children aged 8-17 to attend school. Children under 7 enrolled in school must attend full-time.

Unexcused Absences:

• After 1 unexcused absence, the school must inform the parent/caregiver in writing or by telephone.

• After 3 unexcused absences in a 30-day period, a conference will be held to discuss absences and needed supports.

• Not later than the 7th unexcused absence in a 30-day period, the school shall enter into an agreement with the student and parent/caregiver, refer the student to a Community Engagement Board, or file a petition under RCW 28A.225.030.

Daily Attendance and Success

Regular attendance and punctuality are critical for student success. Frequent absences or tardiness can lead to academic struggles and delays. If you need assistance, please contact us.

More Information

Please refer to our student handbook for complete information about our attendance policy and procedures.