Attendance Policies

Please remember that the elementary school educational environment forms the basis for all other learning. It is very important that your child attend school on a regular basis. A student who is absent for more than twenty-five (25) days may be considered for retention.

Written Excuses for Absences

Each student will be expected to bring a written excuse from a parent or guardian that explains the reason for his/her absence from school. These excuses should be given to the student’s homeroom teacher upon returning to school. The excuse should include the students name, dates of absence and the reason for the absence. Parents wishing to pick up assignments for their son/daughter must call the school by 10:00 a.m. Textbooks and assignments may be picked up from 2:00-3:30 in the office. The school will be locked at 3:30.

School Personnel Will Telephone Parents of Absent Students

The school will attempt to telephone or make other contact with parents when their children are absent from school. It would be helpful if parents would telephone the school office when their children are ill. The school office number is 387-2503 and is open at 7:30 a.m.

Excessive Absences

Parents will be sent written notification after a student has missed ten (10) days of school regardless of the reason. Students missing school or being tardy without a good reason may be referred to the visiting teacher at any time. Every effort should be made to avoid excessive absence from school. Missing valuable instruction time in the classroom can lead to serious academic problems in the future.

Tardiness/Lateness to School

A student arriving late to school (after 8:05 a.m.) will be required to report to the office before going to class. If a student’s bus arrives late, he/she will not be counted as being tardy. Students who are tardy to school more than 5 times will not qualify for Perfect or Superior Attendance Awards.

Written Permission Needed for Extended Absences

Parents are encouraged to plan vacations and extended trips so that their children do not miss school. If this situation is unavoidable, parents must send a written note to the principal prior to the student’s absences from school. If not approved by the principal prior to the absence, teachers are not obligated to give the students make-up work. Parents are requested to send a note to the school at least 5 school days prior to the absence.

Early Dismissal/Checking Out of School

When it is necessary for a student to leave school before the regular dismissal time ( 2:20 p.m.) a parent/guardian must come to the office to sign the student out. When someone other than the parent/guardian is picking up a student, a written note will be necessary before the student can be released. This policy is to ensure the safety and protection of each student at West Salem. Never go to the classroom to pick up students – they must be signed out in the office. Students will be called from the office and parents will wait to pick them up in the office.