Being in school matters!

When it comes to learning, every single school day counts. Research shows that attendance plays an important role in academic success, which affects success in life. Simply put, students must attend school in order to benefit from it.

Just two missed days of school every month, for any reason, can cause a child to suffer academically and decrease the chances that he or she will graduate. Absences add up—and subtract from learning.

If you need to report an absence or tardy

Call the attendance office at 360-313-4040, send an email to the attendance clerk at Fort.Attendance@vansd.org or send a written note.

Excused absences and tardies are time spent out of school for:

  • Illness, health conditions or health care appointments
  • Family emergencies
  • Participation in school-approved activities
  • Disciplinary action or short-term suspensions
  • Observance of religious holidays or cultural activities
  • Deployment activities of an active-duty military parent or guardian
  • Other absences as permitted by state law

Documentation may be required to excuse a tardy or an absence of any length. Absences of more than five days in a month require a note from a doctor or medical provider in order to be considered excused.

Prearranged absences and tardies should be coordinated through the attendance office before the student will miss or be late for school. Students who have prearranged absences or tardies should request work from their teachers in advance of the absence and arrange to make up the work they cannot take with them.

Unexcused absences and tardies do not meet the above criteria for an excused absence and carry the following consequences:

Absences

  • Two unexcused absences: The school will schedule a conference with the student and an attendance letter will be sent home.
  • Five unexcused absences: School officials will enter into an attendance agreement and plan with the student and parent.
  • Seven unexcused absences in a month or 10 in a year: The student will be referred to the student welfare and attendance office to file an initial petition with the court.

Tardies

A student is tardy when he or she enters the classroom after the tardy bell and within the first 15 minutes of class time. It is considered an unexcused absence if the student is more than 15 minutes late to class. Teachers will address the first four tardies before referring students to the administration for progressive discipline.

Parents who need to check out a student early for illness or appointments must show ID and sign their student out at the attendance office. Failure to do so will result in truancy, regardless of later returning to school with a note from a parent.

The building is open to students at 7 a.m. School starts at 8:35 a.m. First period begins promptly at this time. School ends at 3:10 p.m.

Students should be good neighbors and treat our neighboring businesses and homes with respect.

Did you know?

Attendance impacts academic success. Learn why good attendance in high school is so important.