Attendance Procedures
The parent/guardian must inform the grade level subschool office by phone or note of the reason for an absence within three (3) school days including the day of the absence and the following two school days. After this time, the absence will be recorded as "unexcused."
If informing by phone, the parent/guardian should call the day of the absence, if possible, but no later than two school days after the absence. The 24 hour Attendance Lines are:
703-924-8181-
grades 9th and A-Garb, grades 10-12-Sub School 1
703-924-8080
Garcia - Z, grades 10-12-Sub School 2
If informing by note, the student should bring it to the grade level subschool office on the first day back from the absence and no later than two school days after the absence. All notes from parents or guardians must have the following information to be accepted:
Student’s full name
Student’s grade
Date note was written
Date of attendance issue
Reason for the absence(s)
Two contact phone numbers of Parent/Guardian
Parent/Guardian signature
Do not give the note to a teacher.
FCPS Regulation 2234.4, Section III-A states, "A permission slip signed by the parent or guardian must be on file with the principal when a student leaves the school premises during regular school hours." Students must bring a parent’s note to the grade level subschool office on the day of the check out. The note should give the time and the reason for leaving.
Students must always sign out with parent permission in the grade level subschool office before leaving school grounds. There are no exceptions to this rule. Leaving school without checking out will result in an unexcused absence in the classes missed. Parking privileges can be revoked with no refund if a vehicle is used to violate this provision. Parent/guardian permission is required for check-outs.
Students who know that they will be absent on a specific day or days must notify the grade level subschool office at least two (2) days in advance of the absence. The student will be given a pre-arranged absence form. A parent will provide a written statement identifying the reason for the absence. The grade level subschool administrative assistant will telephone the parent to verify the written statement. The student will take this form to teachers for signatures. This form must be returned to the grade level subschool prior to the absence. If a student fails to follow this procedure, the absence(s) will be recorded as unexcused. Students who wish to visit a college must complete a pre-arranged absence form.
A student arriving to school late without a note should go directly to class before 7:45 am and to the grade level subschool office at 7:45 am or after. A written excuse or a telephone call from a parent addressing the reason for the tardiness is required within 3 days (the day of the tardy and 2 more days).
Students who arrive late to school with a note from a parent/guardian, or the parent/guardian has called, or because of late bus arrival, should report to the grade level subschool office prior to reporting to their class. Students tardy to classes during the day are unexcused tardy unless they have a note from a staff member. Three instances of unexcused tardy in a class result in the recording of an unexcused absence.
- Overslept (parent/guardian or student)
- Missed bus or ride
- Vehicle problem
- Traffic
- Child care, including siblings and family
- Non-pre-arranged trip
- Other reason unacceptable to the administrator, or his or her designee, including unspecified “family emergencies”
