How do I report my child as absent?

Each absence requires an entry into Skyward (preferred) or a hand written note.  A phone call is appreciated, but does not count as an excuse note.

When entering an absence in Skyward, you will see a drop box that indicates approved reasons for absences: illness, medical appointment, family emergency, etc.  These selections are the only accepted reasons for absence.

If providing a hand-written note, please send the note into school the day your child returns.  This helps ensure all absences are documented correctly.

All notes are due within three days of your child's absence.

It’s only kindergarten.  Missing school is no big deal, right?

Any student enrolled in Kindergarten is subject to compulsory attendance laws, regardless of age.

Compared to students who attend kindergarten regularly, those who are chronically absent (miss 10% of school days) in kindergarten:

•  Scored 20% lower in reading and math in later grades.

• Often do not read on grade level after grade 3

•  Were twice as likely to repeat a grade

•   Were twice as likely to be suspended by the end of grade 7

Missing some days is to be expected.  What’s the big deal, it’s only elementary school?

If your child receives any services in school (physical therapy, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, or other services) missing school causes the student to miss services.

Research shows a direct correlation between the number of days absent and a decrease in test cores.  The more days missed, the lower the test scores.

I can’t send my kids to school when they’re sick, so what am I supposed to do?

A student should be absent from school if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, or if they are deemed to be contagious by a medical professional.  If your child is not feeling well at school and is sent home by the nurse, the absence will be excused.

I can’t take my kid to the doctor every time they are sick.  Do they really need a medical excuse?

If your child has reached 10 absences with non-medical excuses, an excuse from a licensed health care provider is required for EACH subsequent absence.

Do you really need to send me to the District Judge?

By PA law, school districts must comply and cooperate with the truancy citation process.  School compliance with the law is monitored by the PA Future Ready Index.