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Attendance Policy
State law requires that schools inquire about every absence. Wahitis Elementary requests either a note or a telephone call (Rosa Salas @ 509-764-1200 Ext. 7003) from the parent or guardian when a child is absent. If a call or note is not communicated to the school, the absence will be considered unexcused. Regular attendance is essential for successful progress in your child’s education. Your child should be in school every day that he/she is physically able. The law (RCW 28A.225.020) requires that the school conference with the parent(s)/guardian after three unexcused absences in a month. A petition will be filed with the Juvenile Court when seven unexcused absence in one month and/or a tenth in a school year occurs.
Absences are excused for the following:
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Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including, but not limited to, medical, counseling, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and in-patient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health) for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible;
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Family emergency including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
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Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction;
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Court, a judicial proceeding, court-ordered activity, or jury service;
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Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
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State-recognized search and rescue activities;
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Absence directly related to the student's homeless or foster care/dependency status;
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Absences related to deployment activities of a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member;
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Absences due to suspensions, expulsions or emergency expulsions imposed if the student is not receiving educational services and is not enrolled in qualifying "course of study" activities;
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Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying;
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Absences due to a student's migrant status; and
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An approved activity that is consistent with district policy and is mutually agreed upon by the principal or designee and a parent, guardian, or emancipated youth.
Unexcused Absences:
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Any absence from school is unexcused unless it meets one of the criteria listed above.
Extended Absence Procedures
It is encouraged that families going out of state for more than 5 days complete the extended absence form. Completing this form assures the school will have a plan developed in order so that the student does not fall behind in school or the absence have an adverse impact on the student.
Before School
Students who arrive at the front of the school should go around the north end of the school to either the playground, the cafeteria or the library.
Students who arrive at 7:35 am or later have a choice of the following activities:
Read in the Library
Go outside if there's supervision.
Please note: Students are not to be in the office or hallways before 8:00 am.At 8:00 students are to go directly to the playground unless otherwise directed upon entering the building.
After School
Students are not to congregate in any area of the school, especially in the hallway in front of the office. Students are not to roam hallways or classrooms at any time after school.
Students may wait IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL by the flagpole if they need to wait to be picked up.
Students are not to kick balls or play games while waiting for parents.
Students are not to have access to equipment after school such as ball, jump ropes, etc.
In addition to the above, students need permission and a pass from an adult anytime of the day to; go to the office, restroom, leave the playground, go to another classroom, etc. Students must have a permission slip to be in, or walk to an area that he/she is not designated to be in. Students/children are never allowed in the staff lounge. Children are not to be at professional meetings.
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