Attendance

ATTENDANCE EVERYDAY

IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

Welcome to the beginning of another school year.  We hope you had an enjoyable summer break and are looking forward to another exciting and productive school year. We want to start the year emphasizing how important attendance is in the success of your students.

As partners in our children’s education, we ALL must take school attendance very seriously.  Below is important information related to attendance requirements.

Virginia Standards of Accreditation

Starting for the 2018-19 school year, part of your school’s accreditation with the State of Virginia is tied to attendance, regardless of reason. This is called CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM, which includes ALL absences (excused AND unexcused).

CCPS codes absences as excused or unexcused.  

Examples of excused absences include (for a full explanation see CCPS policy JED-SR1):

  • Illness of the student as verified by a written note from parents (or a doctor after 10
    absences).

  • Medical appointments that cannot be scheduled after school. All appointments must be
    verified by a doctor and a student is expected to return to school from early appointments if
    possible.

  • Death in the family.

  • Prearranged absences with the approval of the principal. Students must notify his/her
    teachers of the prearranged absences and will assume the responsibility of obtaining his/her
    assignments prior to their departure. These assignments shall be due upon the student’s
    return to school.

  • Extenuating circumstances as deemed acceptable by the principal.

  • Court appearances as evidenced by a summons or other verification

  • School sanctioned activities will not count as an absence; however, students will be
    expected to follow the policy for making up work due to absences.

  • Observance of a religious holiday.

  • Other reasons deemed acceptable by the principal

The Code of Virginia requires CCPS address unexcused absences by (for a full explanation see Virginia Code 22.1-258): 

  • contacting parents

  • developing attendance plan.

  • holding attendance conferences

  • involving the court system if all interventions are unsuccessful  

We ask that YOU join with us to help our students form good habits such as:

  • Getting plenty of sleep

  • Eating a good breakfast (either at home or at school)

  • Encouraging good study habits so that students are on time and ready to learn

  • Seeking additional support if needed