Attendance Policy

Attendance Standards

All students are expected to be present and on time each school day. Attendance is a shared responsibility - students, families, and schools working together for your child’s success.

Absences

A parent/guardian note - given to the front office or uploaded to your student’s FOCUS account - is required each time a student is absent. The principal determines whether the absence can be excused in accordance with the district’s policy.

Examples of excused absences:

  • student illness/injury
  • student medical/dental/other health or mental health appointment(s)
  • death in the immediate family
  • religious holiday

If an absence isn’t reported or an explanation isn’t provided in a timely manner, it is considered unexcused.

When We Reach Out

  • For every unexcused absence or absence with no clear reason, the school will reach out to families using an automated phone call to the primary number in FOCUS. If you need to update your phone number, please make sure to contact the school.
  • When students are at-risk of becoming chronically absent, or are already chronically absent, they will also receive periodic text messages and mail reminders about their child’s attendance.

Patterns of Non-Attendance

According to Florida Law, a student is considered at risk of developing attendance issues when:

  • They have 5 or more unexcused absences in a calendar month, or
  • 10 unexcused absences within a 90-day period.

When either threshold is met, the principal refers the student to the Attendance Review Committee or Child Study Team, who will meet with you to explore supports and develop an attendance improvement plan.

If a student accumulates more than 10 parent/guardian notes in a school year, the principal may require additional documentation to excuse future absences.

Chronic Tardiness

Six or more tardies to school or to class per quarter is considered chronic and may result in outreach or interventions. In some cases, students who are chronically tardy or skipping class may have disciplinary consequences consistent with the Code of Conduct.

Make-Up Work for Excused Absences

Don't worry - when an absence is excused, your child can make up missed assignments for full credit. For excused absences, they get the number of days absent plus one extra day to complete work.

Why This Matters

  • These processes are in place to ensure your child doesn’t fall behind and that we respond early with support - not discipline.
  • Regular attendance helps build continuity in learning, develops strong habits, and facilitates meaningful connections with classmates and teachers.
  • Working together, we can identify and address barriers before they become bigger challenges.

What If My Child Becomes Truant?

Florida law requires that all children between the ages of 6 and 16 regularly attend school. When a student has too many unexcused absences, they may be considered truant.

In Florida, a child is considered truant when they have 15 or more unexcused absences within 90 calendar days.

Schools are required by law to take steps to address truancy. This means the district will partner with families first to identify barriers, offer support, and create a plan to improve attendance.  If absences continue after supports have been offered, state law requires the district to take further action.

This may include:

  • A referral to the School Social Worker, Attendance Review Committee, or Child Study Team to develop a plan with the family.
  • Possible involvement of the District Truancy Office, Truancy Court, and/or a referral to the State Attorney’s Office or Department of Juvenile Justice if attendance does not improve.

Our focus is always on helping families, not punishing them. Legal action is the last resort, and only happens when absences persist despite support and outreach.

 

Every school day is a valuable opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and build their future. Regular attendance - including arriving on-time - helps children stay engaged, build confidence, and form meaningful connections with teachers and peers. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your child’s attendance - because every day truly counts!

Why Attendance Matters

When students attend school consistently, they’re less likely to fall behind and more likely to experience strong gains in reading, math, and confidence. Being present each day helps establish good habits that pave the way toward graduation, college, or future careers.

Did you know?

  • Missing just 10 days in a school year can reduce a child’s chance of graduating high school or enrolling in college by 25%.
  • Students who come to school regularly are 2.5 times more likely to stay on track and graduate.
  • Children who miss 2-4 days per month (about 10% of the school year) are considered chronically absent, which puts them at greater risk of falling behind in reading and math.
  • By 6th grade, chronic absence is one of the strongest predictors of not graduating high school.
  • Good attendance builds more than academics—it strengthens friendships, confidence, and lifelong habits for success.

Simple Ways Families Can Support Attendance

  • Create a predictable routine. A consistent bedtime and morning rhythm helps your child start the day feeling calm and ready.
  • Prepare the night before. Pack backpacks, lay out clothes, and double-check schedules - so mornings go smoothly.
  • Set a smooth start. Have a friendly greeting ready (“Today is going to be a great day!”) - a little enthusiasm helps build excitement.
  • Stick to non-school days for appointments. Plan visits and trips outside instructional hours when possible.
  • Talk openly. If your child feels uneasy, share their concern with their teacher or counselor - you’re not alone, and support is available.
  • Never hesitate to communicate. Let the school know if something is impacting attendance - from transportation issues to health or family challenges.
  • Tip: Keep a family calendar in a shared space - mark school days, pick-up schedules, and reminders to make attendance part of your daily rhythm together!

Need Additional Support?

We know that good attendance takes teamwork. Together, we can make sure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed - because we’re your partners in this journey! If you need help developing an attendance plan for your child, or find yourself facing barriers to attendance, please contact your child’s School Social Worker by calling their assigned school.