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District

Attendance Expectations

Student Attendance

For attendance and absence related questions or comments, please email the following information: child's name, dates absent, reason for absence by Clicking Here.

If you are planning an absence, a Prearranged Absence form must be filled out and returned to the office. Download the Pre-Arranged Absence Form and email it to The Main Office.

Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy (Becca Bill)

We make a special effort to ensure that all students fully benefit from their education by attending school regularly. Our goal is to ensure that every student attends school regularly.

Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success, starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and are more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely, every day, and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.

We realize some absences are unavoidable, but we also know that when students miss school too much - regardless of the reason - it can cause them to fall behind academically. Absences can add up quickly and a child is less likely to succeed if they are chronically absent. A child is considered chronically absent if they miss just two days every month, which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year!!

Absences

Unexcused Absences

State law requires that schools take steps to insure students are in school.  If students are unexcused or truant from school, the school must take action in accordance with Washington State Law.

We ask that parents stress the importance of school attendance and make every effort to avoid scheduling appointments or other activities that conflict with school hours.  Family vacations should be scheduled to align with the district’s vacation schedule. 

Excused Absences

Students will be officially excused from a school day for the following reasons:

  • Illness
  • Family Emergency
  • Doctor or Dentist Appointment
  • Religious Observances
  • Classroom or School Activities

Pre-arranged Absence Form

Up to five pre-arranged absences may be excused upon the request of a parent/guardian and agreed upon with the Principal. Excused absences might not be permitted if deemed to cause a serious adverse effect upon the student's educational progress.

 

Please download, print, complete and return to school. Paper copies are available in the Columbia Elementary office.