Handbook - III. Attendance & Absences

Consistent Attendance = Consistent Learning
The school day begins with purposeful learning activities with the ringing of the 8:50 a.m. tardy bell. Student’s who are consistently tardy, miss these early work sessions and reading practice. Poor attendance and being consistently tardy have a negative effect on student grades and student achievement. Having your child to arrive at school on time, on a consistent basis, and ready to learn enhances the learning environment for students and staff alike.
Attendance
Students develop good or poor attendance patterns early in their school careers. By having students stay home only when absolutely necessary, parents can help their youngsters develop good attendance patterns.
Absences and Excuses
The Federal Way School District accepts the following as excused absences: authorized participation in school approved activities, illness, health condition, family emergency, religious purpose, or education opportunities. Such absences must not cause a serious adverse effect on the student’s educational progress. Such an adverse effect may be minimized by requesting approval for absences (of greater than 2 days) in writing at least 3 days prior to the absence, requesting make-up work from the student’s teacher at least 3 days in advance, and following established timelines to return the completed work. All school work cannot be made up through homework. Some direct instruction and in class participation cannot be duplicated through homework…therefore, absences could have a negative impact upon a student’s grade.
For absences of less than 2 days
Students must bring a written excuse signed by the parent upon their return to school. We also ask that you call the school office at 253 945-2800 on the morning of your child’s absence. Our attendance secretary makes daily safety checks on students who are not at school and your call will assist her in keeping down the number of calls we need to make.
The following rules apply when a student is tardy or absent from school:
1. Students must be signed in and out whenever their arrival or departure is not at the normal time.
2. A student who is more than 30 minutes late to school is counted as absent for ½ day.
3. When a student is absent from school during the middle of and/or prior to the end of the school day for more than 30 minutes, he/she will be counted absent for ½ day.
Tardiness
Tardiness is a form of poor attendance. Please help your child be responsible by getting them to school on time. Completing homework, checking backpacks, and selecting school clothes each evening are great time saver tips for busy mornings. After 3 unexcused tardies, students are required to make up the time they missed during recess.

Back to Table of Contents