It is important that you contact your child’s school if your child is absent from school. 

The district uses ParentSquare to notify parents of students’ unexcused absences. Parents can contact their child’s school to excuse absences or ask questions. State law requires that WSD send parent notifications about attendance. Parents cannot opt out of these notifications per state law.

Absences that are not excused may result in disciplinary action. 

All absences are considered unexcused until the school receives a note or email documenting a valid reason for the absence.  If the reason isn’t valid, the absence is still considered unexcused. If the district isn’t properly notified with in 48 hours, the absence is considered unexcused. If a note is received within 48 hours the absence may be reclassified as excused. 

We recognize that there may be legitimate reasons for absences, such as illness, family emergencies, or religious observances. Parents/guardians are required to provide documentation to excuse absences. Documentation must be submitted within 48 hours after the absence occurs. 

A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:

• Illness
• Family emergency
• Death of a family member
• Medical or dental appointment
• Pre-approved educational travel 
• Pre-approved religious instruction 
• Bona Fide religious holiday
• Court hearing
• Dismissed from school by a school nurse or administrator
• Care provided by a licensed health care or therapy practitioner

Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. We’re committed to working with families to address chronic absenteeism and support student success. We are committed to your child’s success and we are your partner. Together, we can set your student up for success! 

A state law in Washington, called the “Becca Bill,” requires all children between ages 8 and 18 to attend school regularly. The law requires parents or legal guardians to make sure their children are in school regularly. Students can be in public school, private school or homeschool. The law requires that students are in school, full-time, every day, unless there is a valid excuse. If a student misses school without a valid excuse, the student might be considered “truant.” When a student is truant, schools are required to:

• Notify the family;
• Meet and work with the family and student to figure out why, and
• Try different strategies to help improve the student's attendance.

If that doesn't work, a student and family can be referred to a Community Engagement Board or to court. If a student misses school a lot, even with a valid excuse, the law now requires schools to meet and work with the family to figure out why, and make a plan to help the student get to school regularly.  That is because missing school a lot or “chronic absenteeism” can make it hard for a student to keep up. It can also be a sign that a student might not be getting the supports they need. When we are talking about missing school, “a lot” can seem like “a little” – missing even just 2 days a month can add up to a big impact!

If getting your child to school every day has been a challenge, your school can help break down barriers and help your child build a new habit of attendance every day, all day, on time. 

What does the law require of Schools?

• notify parents of the attendance rules 
• notify parents every time a student is absent,
• meet with parents and students to find out why,
• try different strategies to improve attendance, and in some cases,
• refer a student and/or parent to a Community Engagement Board or to court.

What does the law require of Students?

• in school,
• on time,
• every day, unless there is a valid excuse.