Regular and punctual attendance is a requirement of parents with students between the ages of 8 and 18. When a student is absent from school, parents are required to provide the school with an excuse for the absence. Below are a list of reasons that will be automatically excused by the school.
Excused Absences
- Participation in a District or school approved activity or instructional program;
- Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including but not limited to medical, counseling, dental or optometry;
- Family emergency, including but not limited to a death or illness in the family;
- Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
- Court, judicial proceeding or serving on a jury;
- Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
- State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055;
- Absence directly related to the student’s homeless status;
- Absence resulting from a disciplinary/corrective action. (e.g., short-term or long-term suspension, emergency expulsion; and
- Principal (or designee and parent, guardian, or emancipated youth mutually agreed upon approved activity
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Every time the student is absent from school, the school will notify parents by phone on the day of the absence. It is the parent's responsibility to call the school and give a reason for the absence. If the parent does not inform the school within 72 hours of the absence, the absence will be permanently recorded as an unexcused absence.
Unexcused Absences
- Students are allowed 2 unexcused absences without penalty.
- After 2 unexcused absences, the school will notify the parents in writing of the absences and may require a meeting with the principal to develop a plan for improved attendance.
- After the student's 4th unexcused absence, a second letter will be sent home. Parents will be required to establish a meeting with the school principal to develop a plan for improved attendance.
- After the student's 5th unexcused absence in a month, or 10 total unexcused absences within a school year, the school will be required to file an official petition with the juvenile courts against the parents.
- The school has the right to suspend or expel students with excessive absences. All expulsions will be reported to the district superintendent.
Planned Absence Request Form
Any planned absence that exceeds three school days requires parents to seek permission in writing from the school principal. Extended absence request forms can be found by following this link
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Attendance Line
Please call the attendance line at 360-596-6703 if your child will be absent or late.