Attendance

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 5 minutes is considered truancy.

Report an Absence

To report an absence or tardy, please contact the attendance office (360-662-2430). Parents may, at times, reach the answering machine.  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

Excused Absences

Absences are excused for:

  • Health conditions
  • School-approved activities
  • Family emergencies
  • 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

An automatic calling machine will place calls to parents whose 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 or call to initiate the process for clearing the absence within 48 hours.

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 note or phone call from a parent is required to excuse an absence, late arrival or early dismissal.

It is the students’ responsibility to check in to the Attendance Office with or without a note or parent call. Students will have 48 hours (2 school days) to clear an unexcused absence.

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:

  • Parent name
  • Student name
  • Reason for dismissal
  • Time of dismissal
  • Your contact number

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