Attendance

At Richard Gordon Elementary, we recognize the profound impact that regular attendance has on a student's academic trajectory. This understanding drives our dedicated attendance policy, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring every student's continued academic success.

As per our commitment, we diligently track daily attendance for each student and promptly communicate with you if your student has an unexcused absence. Our key objective is to provide all possible supports to promote consistent school attendance.

In cases where a student accumulates three unexcused absences within a single month, we adhere to the provisions of state law (RCW 28A.225.020). We schedule a conference involving you, your student, and our team to identify potential barriers to regular attendance. We also discuss support systems available to enhance attendance. The responsibility falls on our district to develop a tailored plan designed to best meet your student's needs and reduce absenteeism. This plan may involve an assessment to determine the most effective strategies to assist your student.

In situations where a student has seven unexcused absences in a month or ten unexcused absences within the school year, we are required by law to file a petition with the Juvenile court, alleging a violation of mandatory attendance laws (RCW 28A.225.010). This could potentially result in you and your student being asked to appear in Juvenile Court.

At Gordon, we firmly believe that maintaining regular attendance is a collective responsibility that involves the school, students, and parents/guardians. Together, we can foster an environment where daily attendance is prioritized, thereby enriching the learning experience for every student. Your child's academic success is our joint endeavor, and regular attendance is a crucial stepping stone in that journey. Let's ensure every day in school is a day well-spent!

One of the fundamental factors that greatly influence a student's academic performance is consistent school attendance. It might seem straightforward, but regular attendance is a practice that requires a commitment not only from the students themselves but also from their families and the school community.

Missing even a few days of school can substantially disrupt a student's progress, potentially resulting in a decline in academic performance. Interestingly, the correlation between attendance and academic success is not linear. Even sporadic absences, like missing just one or two days a month, can quickly accumulate to a significant chunk of the school year, directly impacting learning.

When it comes to planning for success with attendance, here are a few strategies:

1. Establish Consistent Routines: Setting up regular sleep and morning routines can help students feel prepared and energized for a full day of learning.

2. Keep Track of Attendance: Regularly monitor your child's attendance record. Early detection of any patterns in absence allows for swift action to reverse the trend.

3. Communicate the Importance of Attendance: Engage in open dialogue with your child about the significance of regular school attendance and how it directly links to their academic success and future opportunities.

4. Collaborate with School Staff: Build a strong relationship with your child's school. If you have concerns or notice sudden changes in your child's behavior towards school, reach out to teachers or school counselors for assistance.

5. Encourage Participation in School Activities: Involvement in extracurricular activities helps students to feel more connected to their school community, thereby fostering a stronger desire to attend regularly.

By placing importance on regular attendance and implementing these strategies, we pave the way for students' academic success, helping them build a strong foundation for their future. Planning for success with attendance is truly planning for success in life!

Students needing to miss school for an approved reason (see Board Policy 3122) are to have their parent or guardian contact the attendance office in advance for an excused absence. All students are to provide documentation to the attendance office WITHIN 48 HOURS from a parent or guardian upon return to school. Failure to provide necessary documentation may result in disciplinary action.

STUDENTS WHO MUST LEAVE SCHOOL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY MUST CHECK OUT (with parent approval prior to leaving campus) WITH THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE. Please give the office 1-hour minimum notice so that student and teacher may be aware of departure time by calling (360) 396-3800 option 2.

Documentation may be provided by:

1. Calling the 24-hour attendance number: (360) 396-3800 option 2.
2. A written note to the attendance office. Phone and written documentation should include:
   • Student's first and last name
   • Date of absence
   • Parent/Guardian name and signature
   • Reason

Absences for reasons other than those described in board policy are unexcused unless arrangements have been approved in advance by following the procedures outlined below (prior arranged absence).

• PRIOR ARRANGED PERSONAL ABSENCE
  To request an absence for one or more days, parents must complete this form. Both the student/parent and the student's teachers need to fill it out.
  • Prior Arranged Absence Form
  • Formulario de ausencia previa concertada
• SCHOOL ABSENCE
  Excused absences or absences for field trips, athletic contests, or other absences created by approved school sponsored functions have guaranteed make-up work privileges as per school policy. A student more than 10 minutes late to class is considered absent.

Students who have an excessive number of absences may be asked to take the "Assessment of Barriers to Attendance" Survey. According to Washington State Center for Court Research, "The purpose of the survey is to help adults at your child's school or agency to gather data to create a meaningful truancy intervention for your child."

Per state law, we are obligated to monitor daily attendance and alert parents/guardians of any unexcused absences. If your child has three unexcused absences within a month, a conference involving you, your child, and us will be arranged to address any issues and discuss available support systems to ensure regular attendance.

For elementary school students, if there are more than 7 excused absences in any month or 15 in a school year, we must reach out to you and plan a conference at a time that suits both parties. The purpose of this conference is to overcome any challenges to regular attendance and examine available support.

If we have not been successful in substantially reducing your student's absences by the seventh unexcused absence in any month or the fifteenth in a school year, and the student is younger than 17, we are legally required to file a petition and a supporting affidavit for a civil action in juvenile court.

For further details about our attendance policies and procedures (Policy 3122 and Policy 3122P), which comply with Washington State Law, please refer to our excused and unexcused attendance policy.

It is important for students to arrive on time to school and to be in their classroom by 9:20 a.m. Tardiness can disrupt learning and cause students to miss important information. If a student does arrive after 9:20 a.m., they must report to the office to sign in.

Parents should also try to avoid picking up their child during the school day unless it is absolutely necessary. Learning happens until the end of the day, and students may miss important information if they leave early. If a parent needs to pick up their child, they should do so before 3:30 p.m.

The school premises are accessible to all students during regular school days from 9:05 am to 4:05 pm. On Wednesdays, designated as early release days, the school remains open for all students from 9:05 am to 3:15 pm. Any student present on the premises outside of these specified hours must be under the direct supervision of qualified school staff. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in the issuance of trespass letters to individuals involved.

To ensure the safety of our students, we require that you stop by the office and sign your child out before 3:50 PM. Please have a photo ID ready to present upon request. We value your child's education and want to minimize disruptions during class time, so we ask that you arrive at the school before requesting your child's release. Once you have signed them out, the office will call the classroom and have your child sent to meet you in the office.