Virginia State Law

Virginia State law requires that each student who is absent from school must be reported each time by a responsible person. An excused absence is one for which parents/guardians have prior knowledge, consent, and a legitimate reason. Legitimate reasons include: illness of the student, death in the family, and observance of a religious holiday. Absences for family and student vacations are unexcused.

According to state law, the following actions need to be taken: 

• 5 Unexcused days - parent notification via letter and plan required
• 6 Unexcused days - (one additional day) - conference required
• 7 Unexcused days - attendance officer involved, possible court action

Weekly attendance calls will be made to parents whose students have accrued five or more unexcused absences, requesting that parents contact the school to develop an attendance plan. 

Dental and Medical

Dental and medical appointments are excused; however, we ask that such appointments be kept to a minimum during the instructional day.

Unexcused Absence

Absences for family and student vacations are unexcused. Students are responsible for completing any missed assignments. Teachers will provide the student and parent or guardian with missed work, but are not obligated to provide assignments prior to family or student vacations.

Late Arrival Student Arrival

If your child arrives after 8:50 a.m., they are considered late. Students who are repeatedly late in a school year will have a letter placed in their school file. If the student continues to be late a meeting with the principal, school counselor, student, and parent will be held to discuss the situation.

Release of Student

We will not release any child to any adult other than the parent/guardian or persons listed on the emergency care form. Students may be released to either parent unless prohibited by a court order. If restricted custody has been legally established, a parent must furnish a copy of the custody order to be kept on file in the school office.