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Attendance Policy

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow

Attendance at Peninsula School District

Contact Information

If you have any questions about your child’s attendance, please contact your school directly.

PSD Truancy Officer
Shelby Cobb
Paralegal
 

Additional Resources

PSD Attendance Process Flow Chart

Planned Extended Absence Form

Student Rights and Forms

PSD Board Policies

Family Resources

Attendance PolicyAnnual Calendar

 

Supporting Student Success Through Regular Attendance

We believe every day of learning shapes your child's future. Our commitment to supporting regular school attendance reflects our dedication to your student's success, both in school and beyond. Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey.

Attendance Requirements

Washington State law (RCW 28A.225.010) requires:

  • Children ages 8-18 must attend school regularly
  • Parents of enrolled 6-7 year olds must ensure regular attendance
  • Schools must track and support student attendance

Why Every School Day Matters

Academic Success

Students with regular attendance are more likely to read at grade level, excel in math, and graduate high school prepared for their future.

Social Development

Daily attendance helps students build lasting friendships, develop essential social skills, and feel connected to their school community.

Supporting Your Student's Attendance

Peninsula School District offers comprehensive support to help students maintain regular attendance:

  • Early intervention strategies
  • Family support services
  • Transportation assistance
  • Community engagement programs

Reporting an Absence

To report an absence, please contact your school's attendance line. 

  • Understanding Truancy in Washington State

    In Washington State, truancy refers to unexcused absences from school. Under state law (RCW 28A.225.010), all children ages 8-18 must attend school regularly. For students ages 6-7 who are enrolled in public school, parents must ensure regular attendance unless they formally withdraw their child.

    When is a Student Considered "Truant"?

    Under Washington state law (RCW 28A.225.030), a student is legally considered truant after:

    • Seven (7) unexcused absences in any month, or
    • Fifteen (15) unexcused absences during the school year

    At this point, Peninsula School District is legally required to file a petition with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010.

  • Understanding Chronic Absenteeism

    Chronic absenteeism means missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason - both excused and unexcused absences. For a typical 180-day school year, that's just two (2) days each month, or about 18 days total. Every school day shapes your child's educational journey, and we're here to support regular attendance. 

    Why Regular Attendance Matters

    Research shows that consistent attendance directly impacts student success:

    • Early grades: Students with regular attendance in kindergarten and first grade are more likely to read at grade level by third grade
    • Middle school: Regular attendance strengthens social connections and academic foundations
    • High school: Students with strong attendance are more likely to graduate and succeed in college or career training

  • At Peninsula School District, we understand that situations arise that may prevent your student from attending school. Our goal is to support families while ensuring students receive the education they deserve. The following absences are considered excused when proper notification is provided to the school:

    Health & Wellness

    • Physical health symptoms or illness
    • Mental health appointments or treatment
    • Medical or dental appointments
    • Counseling or behavioral health services
    • Chronic health conditions

     

    Family & Personal

    • Family emergencies
    • Religious or cultural observances
    • Court proceedings or jury service
    • Student safety concerns
    • Military family-related activities

     

    Educational Activities

    • College or technical school visits
    • Scholarship interviews
    • State-recognized search and rescue
    • School-approved activities

     

    Special Circumstances

    • Homelessness or foster care situations
    • Migrant status
    • Technology access issues
    • Principal-approved activities

     

    How to Notify the School 

    Please notify the school office of an absence:

    • Morning of the absence when possible
    • By phone, email, or written note
    • Include the reason for absence
    • Provide documentation if requested

  • Understanding Unexcused Absences

    At Peninsula School District, we're committed to working together to ensure your student's success. An absence is considered unexcused when:

    • A student misses the majority of hours/periods in a school day without valid justification
    • No parent/guardian notification is provided to the school
    • The reason provided doesn't meet district criteria for excused absences

     

    How We Support Your Student 

    We take a proactive approach to support regular attendance:

    After 1 Unexcused Absence:

    We'll contact you to ensure you're aware and offer initial support.

    After 3 Unexcused Absences:

    We'll schedule a conference to understand challenges and develop solutions together.

    Between 2-7 Unexcused Absences:

    We'll implement data-informed steps to support attendance improvement.

     

    Available Support Services 

     

    Academic Support

    • Course adjustments
    • Individual instruction
    • Alternative programs
    • Make-up work assistance

     

    Family Resources

    • Family support services
    • Transportation assistance
    • Community resources

     

    Working Together for Success

    Early communication is key to preventing unexcused absences. Please contact us if:

    • You need help reporting an absence
    • Your family is experiencing challenges
    • Your student needs additional support
    • You have questions about attendance policies

  • Early Support & Prevention

     

    When We Reach Out:

    • After first unexcused absence in a month
    • Daily absence notifications to parents
    • Regular attendance monitoring

     

    How We Help:

    • Phone, email, or written notifications
    • Information in family's preferred language
    • Initial support resources offered

     

    Personalized Intervention & Support

     

    When We Increase Support:

    • After 3 unexcused absences in a month
    • Between 2-7 unexcused absences
    • Patterns of attendance concerns

     

    Additional Support Options:

    • Family conference to identify barriers
    • Customized attendance success plans
    • Connection to community resources
    • Academic support services

     

    Comprehensive Support Services

     

    Enhanced Support Offered:

    • After 7 unexcused absences in a month
    • After 15 unexcused absences in a year
    • Ongoing attendance challenges

     

    Comprehensive Services Include:

    • Community Engagement Board support
    • WARNS assessment (middle/high school)
    • Specialized education plans as needed
    • Intensive family support services

     

    Connect With Us Today 

    Our team is here to support your family's needs. Early communication is key to student success - please don't hesitate to reach out!

Attendance Tips

Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can. 

 

Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home.  If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator. 

Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning.  If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal. 

 

Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours.  Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience. 

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