Present, Absent, or Tardy? FCPS believes, and research has shown, that students who regularly attend school have the most academic success. Parents and school staff members can work together to encourage students to participate fully in the school program—by being present; arriving on time; and being connected, committed, and engaged in the learning process. A student’s lack of attendance can affect academic, social, and emotional growth. Grading is based on work performance and class participation, and classwork can still be used to determine grades. It is difficult to “make up” missed work and classroom activities. To achieve academic success, students must be present, actively learning, and developing critical skills.

FCPS will excuse a student’s tardiness or absence due to:

* illness of the student (a physician’s note may be required in cases of chronic or long-term illness).

* death in the family.

* medical appointment.

* observance of a religious holiday.

Absence or tardiness for the following reasons will be unexcused:

* family trip.

* child care problem.

* oversleeping.

* nonschool-related activity.

* traffic.

* missed bus.

FCPS encourages family trips during scheduled school vacations and strongly discourages such trips during the school year because these extended absences interrupt the continuity of learning. FCPS must withdraw any student from its enrollment who is absent from school for 15 consecutive days or more. Upon the student’s return, a parent must again officially enroll him or her.

If your child is going to be either absent for the entire day or late for any reason, call White Oaks attendance line at 703/923-1430, which is available 24-7 for messages. If your elementary school child is not present when attendance is checked in the morning, FCPS’ automated attendance calling system will phone and e-mail parents within the first hour.

For more information about school attendance and engagement, visit www.fcps.edu/dss/ips/ssaw/attendance/index.htm