Attendance

Contact your scholar's school to excuse them for the day. It's important that you provide a reason for your scholar's absence so school teams can record absences correctly. This will help reduce the potential of families receiving attendance phone calls, attendance letters, or even truancy petitions.

You can report and keep track of your scholar's attendance using ParentVue.

Absences and tardies must be verified by a parent or guardian within 2 business days of the absence.

If your scholar misses 5 days in a row due to illness or a total of 10 absences in a semester, a note from a doctor or medical professional is required.

If your scholar has a chronic medical condition or illness that causes them to miss school frequently, don't hesitate to contact your school nurse for support.

WAC 392-401-020

Excused absences.

Absences due to the following reasons must be excused:

1. Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including, but not limited to, medical, counseling, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and in-patient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health) for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible;
2. Family emergency including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
3. Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
4. Court, judicial proceeding, court-ordered activity, or jury service;
5. Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
6. State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055;
7. Absence directly related to the student's homeless or foster care/dependency status;
8. Absences related to deployment activities of a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010;
9. Absences due to suspensions, expulsions or emergency expulsions imposed pursuant to chapter 392-400 WAC if the student is not receiving educational services and is not enrolled in qualifying "course of study" activities as defined in WAC 392-121-107;
10. Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying;
11. Absences due to a student's migrant status; and
12. An approved activity that is consistent with district policy and is mutually agreed upon by the principal or designee and a parent, guardian, or emancipated youth.

A school principal or designee has the authority to determine if an absence meets the above criteria for an excused absence. Districts may define additional categories or criteria for excused absences. 

If you are planning an absence longer than 2 days a pre-arranged absence form should be filled out and given to your scholar's schools at least 3 days before their absence.

There is a chance your scholar's absence may not be excused if this important step is missed, or if the absence causes a significant impact on the scholar's educational progress. The principal or designated staff member will decide if your planned absence is excused or not.