We are committed to supporting student success, and regular attendance is one of the most important factors in academic achievement. To help families understand our attendance procedures, please review the following guidelines regarding student absences based on our school attendance quick guide.
Excused Absences
Students may receive an excused absence for the following reasons:
- Medical appointments (doctor, urgent care, ER, dental, therapy, specialist visits)
- Family emergency or death
- Religious holidays
- School-sponsored activities
- Pre-approved vacations (maximum of five school days per year)
Medical Absences
For medical absences:
- A doctor’s note is required for absences of four or more consecutive days.
- Only the dates listed on the medical provider’s note can be excused.
- Year-long medical excuses cannot be accepted.
- Families should request documentation from the provider that includes the dates and times of the appointment or treatment.
- Medical documentation should be submitted using the school’s Absence Reporting Form.
Vacation Procedures
Pre-approval is needed for vacations, per district a max of 5 days for vacations a year can be approved.
Parent/Guardian Notes
Parents or guardians may excuse student absences under the following limitations:
- Up to 3 consecutive days (after the third day, medical documentation is required)
- Up to 5 calendar days within a 30-day period
- Up to 10 calendar days within a 90-day period
All parent/guardian notes must be submitted within three days of the student’s return to school. Failure to submit documentation within this timeframe may result in the absence being marked unexcused.
Early Dismissal Procedures
For Student Drivers:
If your student drives to school and needs to leave early:
- A parent or guardian must call the front office to request the early dismissal.
- The student must report to the front office and sign out using their driver’s license.
- This process records the checkout in our attendance system and helps us maintain accurate student accountability.
- It is also helpful if parents submit an early dismissal note through the Pasco One App.
For Students Who Do Not Drive:
If your student does not drive:
- A parent or guardian listed in the school’s records must come to the front office.
- The adult must present a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID.
- Once identification is verified, the student will be released for early dismissal.
Students Sent Home by the School Health Team
If a student is sent home due to illness by the school health team, the absence is excused for 24 hours. After that period, a parent/guardian note or medical documentation must be provided if the student remains out of school. Families needing assistance managing a student’s health condition should contact the school nurse.
Important Reminder
Please remember that attendance documentation should be submitted as soon as possible through the Absence Reporting Form. Prompt communication helps ensure student attendance records remain accurate and up to date.
Forms
