The procedure is the same for all absences, regardless of cause or length of time.

· The parent should call the school office before 8:15 a.m. on the day of the absence and every day after to inform the secretary. A message may be left on voicemail. If the parent does not call, the school will try to contact the parent by telephone.

· Upon the student’s return to school, your child must go to the school office and present the written excuse (if a message was not left) which includes the student’s name, reason for the absence, date(s) of absence, and the signature of the parent or guardian.

· A verbal or written excuse must be presented to the office within 48 hours or it will be unexcused.

It is important that parents check in at the office with their children when they arrive after 8:00 AM or send a note explaining the reason for the tardiness.

Parents need to sign their children out of school anytime they take them from school during the school day. This is necessary for your child’s protection as well as for the protection of the school. For safety, when you come to the school to pick up your child, please go to the office, not to your child’s classroom. A staff member will go get your child from class or the playground. Many staff members do not recognize all the parents, so this will avoid any unnecessary problems in getting your child and ensure the safety of all children.

If you come to pick up your child before the end of the day, you will need to use the front doors near the office. All other exterior entrances to the buildings will be locked during the school day. Anyone coming into the building will need to come through the front doors.

At the end of the day, parents are asked to pick up their children on the bus porch in line. This helps us control the crowd of children leaving and parents coming.

When school is dismissed, students are to go directly home and not remain on the playground or school grounds unless pre-arranged with a teacher or staff member. Any student who is going to a place other than his/her primary after school destination must bring a note from the parent to give to the teacher.