School attendance is closely correlated with student success in school. If we are to improve the academic climate and encourage student achievement, we must emphasize the improvement of attendance and the reduction of truancies.
In complying with state law, students are expected to be present at school and on time to class. Truancy is defined as an unauthorized and willful absence from school, class, or scheduled activity during any part of the school day. A student may be considered tardy if he/she is not in his/her classroom by the tardy bell. Tardiness in excess of 15 minutes is considered truancy.
Report an Absence
To report an absence or tardy, please contact the Attendance Office (360-662-2431). Parents may, at times, reach voicemail. If this occurs, messages are regularly checked and please leave one message with the following information:
- Parent name
- Student name
- Reason for absence or tardiness
- Contact number in case we have questions
If the student is on the CKHS Cheer or on a CKHS sports team, a doctor's note is required stating that they are allowed to participate in a practice or game for that day.
Excused Absences
Absences are excused for:
- Health conditions
- School-approved activities
- Family emergencies or matters
- Disciplinary actions, such as short-term suspensions
- Religious reasons: The right of parents to determine when their child may be absent from public school in order to observe a religious holiday shall not be limited by school officials
Extended Absence
A principal may, upon the request of a parent, grant an advanced absence to a student if that absence does not adversely affect the student’s educational progress. For a planned extended absence (3 or more days), a parent should notify the attendance office at least 5 days prior to the absence.
Automated Absence Phone Calls
Parents/guardians will receive an automated phone call or voicemail when their student has been marked absent one or more school periods during the day that is not populated with a parent excuse.
If you have been notified of an absence in error, please send your student to the Attendance Office to pick up a pink slip. They will take the pink slip to the class(s) and have the teacher/staff member sign and verify that they were present, tardy, or absent. The student is responsible for returning this pink slip to the attendance office to clear the absence or tardy. A parent or guardian may email or call the attendance to clear the absence within
48 hours or 2 school days.
Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals
Students are required to check in to the Attendance Office when arriving late to school or needing an early dismissal. A phone call, email. or note from a parent is required to excuse an absence, late arrival or early dismissal.
For an early dismissal, please allow us a minimum of 2 hours to process and locate the student for timely release. Please have ready the following information ready when you are calling or emailing the Attendance Office:
- Parent name
- Student name
- Reason for dismissal
- Time of dismissal
- Your contact number
The Attendance Office will issue a early release pass to the student and they will then leave the classroom at the appointed time. Your student will then meet you out front at the curb or designated area, unless they drive themselves. They may also wait in the Main Office lobby due to inclement weather. If the student is returning after leaving campus they must report back to the attendance office to gain re-entry.
If the student is on the CKHS Cheer or on a CKHS sports team, a doctor's note is required stating that they are allowed to participate in a practice or game for that day.
Consequences
Suggested consequences for truancy:
- 1st reported offense – 1 day detention or ISS (in-school detention)
- 2nd reported offense – 2 or more days detention or ISS
- 3rd reported offense – 3 or more days detention or ISS
- 4th reported offense – parent conference with plan for future interventions
Unexcused absences (7 per month or 15 per year) require us us to file a truancy
petition with Kitsap County Superior Court in accordance with RCW
28A225.030(2)(c). Read more about policies and laws related to unexcused absences.
Bus Passes
If your student is riding on a different bus, please have them take care of this before school or at their lunch time. We cannot process passes at the end of the school day or after school because the student may miss their bus and buses cannot be held up.
We will need a written note or voicemail from the parent/guardian with the student's name, bus number they will be riding, and the street name. If your student is riding a bus to meet a parent, volunteer, or music lesson, please provide the bus number, street, or school they will need to get off at.