Middle College High School

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Attendance

Attendance Procedures

North Seattle College

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If your student will be absent or late please contact your student’s site directly.

Truancy – Compulsory Attendance (Becca) Law

The Compulsory School Attendance law of Washington State has clear expectations for students, parents, and school districts for student attendance and what to do if students become truant. A clear  School Board Attendance Policy and Districtwide  SPS Attendance Procedures are in place. 

Schools are required to:

  • Notify parents/guardians about the Compulsory Attendance Law in September.
  • Take daily attendance and notify parents/guardians after the first and second unexcused absence, and after each subsequent absence. Usually this is done by phone, but a Letter 1 can be sent home instead or if the parent cannot be reached by phone.
  • Schedule a conference to meet with the student and parent to address truant behavior after 2 or more unexcused absences. Letter 2 is used to invite the parent to this conference.
  • Take steps to correct the problem in an effort to determine why a student is not attending school and to help develop a plan to insure regular attendance. These interventions are critical for solving an attendance problem early. If the truancy is caused by the parent’s action, notify the Truancy Office.

For questions regarding absences, please call the individual site. 

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:

Grades K-5 Truancy

5 excused absences in a month

Schedule a family conference, convene 504/IEP and/or McKinney-Vento team if applicable.

10 excused absences in the school year

Schedule a family conference, convene 504/IEP and/or McKinney-Vento team if applicable.

1st unexcused absence

Inform parent/Guardian in home language.

3rd unexcused absences

Schedule a meeting/conference with the parent/legal guardian and student. Convene 504/IEP/McKinney-Vento if applicable.

Between the 2nd and 7th unexcused absence

The school is required to take data informed steps* to address barriers to attendance.

7th unexcused absences within 30 days

School must either enter into a written agreement with the family, refer to District Attendance Office, or file a truancy petition in juvenile court.

15th unexcused absences in a school year

School must enter into a written agreement, if not done so yet. District Attendance Office will file Truancy Petition.

Learn more about K-5 Truancy Laws

Grades 6-12 Truancy

1st Unexcused Absence

Must inform the parent/guardian there is an unexcused absence.

Between the 2nd and 7th Unexcused Absence
3rd Unexcused Absence
  • Must schedule a conference to identify barriers, provide supports and resources.
  • Who should be at the conference?
    • At least one school district employee such as a nurse, counselor, social worker, teacher, or community human services provider
    • the parent/guardian/supportive adult
    • the student
    • If a student has a 504 or IEP and/or McKinney-Vento: The IEP team that created the program or plan is required.
Not later than the 7th Unexcused Absence
  1. Enter into an attendance agreement between the school, parent, & student,
  2. Refer to a Community Engagement Board (CEB), OR
  3. File a Truancy Petition
7th Unexcused Absence

7th excused absence in a month and not later than fifteenth unexcused absence in a year: must file a truancy petition with Juvenile Court.

Learn more about 6th-12th grade Truancy Laws

How to Check Attendance

Parents and guardians can check their student’s attendance on The Source.

Log in to The Source

How to Report Student Absences

If your student is going to be absent, please contact your student’s school in advance. If an absence was unplanned, please contact the school within two school days of your student’s return.

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 Us

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