Attendance
Licton Springs Attendance Policy
Students are most successful when they are at school.
How to report an absence or tardy:
Please report your students absence in advance, same day, and no later that 3 days beyond the missed day(s)/period(s).
E-mail: lictonsprings.attendance@seattleschools.org
Phone: 206-743-3700
Written Note: deliver to the main office.
Please include the following: student’s full name, grade level or teacher, date(s) and reason for absence/tardy.
Attendance Policy
A clear Seattle Public Schools Districtwide attendance policy is in place. Students, parents, and schools must work together to correct any truancy problems a student is experiencing.
The following District definitions of excused and unexcused absences are for students at all ages:
Excused Absences
Unplanned absences are excused when your child’s personal illness or injury, or the illness, injury or death of a family member, prevents your child from attending school, and you notify the school within 48 hours of the absence. The school may require a note from your child’s doctor if your child is absent due to illness or injury for an excessive number of days before excusing those absences.
*Planned absences may be excused when you submit a request to the office at least three school days before the start of the planned absence, usually for a doctor or dentist appointment, or religious holiday, or educational trip, or other special one-time event. The school may require you to complete an educational plan and your child to complete missed assignments and/or make other academic assignments for extended excused planned absences.
Absences due to short-term discipline of your child are excused on District attendance records.
Unexcused Absences
All other absences are considered unexcused, including absences caused by the student or parent oversleeping, student missing the bus, transportation problems, student needed for babysitting, out of town visitors, student job requirements, religious instruction, student on wait list for another school, etc.
Late to School (Tardy)
In the event of a late arrival, students are required to report to the main office for a pass to class. (please drop your student off at the parking lot on 68th if you are running late, the 67th street doors are locked during the school day)
SPS Student Attendance
All children in Washington state have a constitutionally guaranteed right to an education. They are also legally required to attend school. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% of school, regardless of the reason — that’s 18 days in a school year!
Regular school attendance is the key to student academic success. Attendance has a dramatic impact on key milestones, including 3rd grade reading, 9th grade achievement, high school graduation, and life success.
Unexcused Absences and Truancy – WA State Law “Becca Bill”
If a student has unexcused absences, Washington state law requires that schools take specific actions:
How can families help?
We miss your student when they are gone, and we value their contributions to their school. Please help us ensure your student attends regularly and is successful in school:
- Have your child attend school unless they are truly sick, such as a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a contagious rash, any health conditions related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases as defined in WA state law.
- Schedule appointments and arrange travel for times when school is not in session.
- Keep track of your child’s attendance. Missing school, excused or unexcused, puts your child at risk of falling behind.
- Maintain communication with your student’s school and teacher if additional support is needed or to discuss barriers that prevent your student from participation.
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Ensure that your child finishes their homework the night before.
Contact your school:
- To report a student absence
- If you have a question about an automated message you received
- If you have general attendance questions
Contact the SPS Attendance Office:
- If you have questions about truancy
- If you have questions about an attendance letter you received from the district or court
SPS Attendance Office
attendance@seattleschools.org
206-252-0827
SPS Attendance Office webpage