Chief Sealth Attendance

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to be in school and in class daily. A student is considered absent if they enter class after 10 minutes have elapsed. Punctual attendance is the first requirement for success – both here and in the “real” world. A large part of learning takes place during class discussions and participation. Many of our teachers use instructional methods that require student participation; if students are absent, they miss out on that learning.

The depth of coverage of material in our courses requires active student engagement and participation. The failure to attend class prevents active student engagement. Consequently, attendance is a necessary component of our classes and will be considered as a basis for grading in all courses.

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Attendance Procedures

It is the responsibility of the students to keep track of their attendance. They may look on the SOURCE or get a print-out from the Attendance Office.

Please Allow 48 hours hours for Attendance Changes to Occur on Students’ Records.

Update Your Contact Information

Only contacts in our system under the student record are allowed to pick him/her up and call in absences so make sure that your contacts list is updated.

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Early Dismissal

Early Dismissal Procedures

• Early Dismissal need to be excused in advance, send an e-mail to chiefsealthhs.attendance@seattleschools.org or send a note with your student by the morning of the day of the Early Dismissal.
• Early dismissal due to illness (while at school) requires a release from the school nurse. The school nurse will contact and receive release authorization. Student must sign out at the Attendance office is mandatory before leaving school.
• Students need an “Early Dismissal Pass” to leave school during a class period. Student can pick up their pass here in The Attendance Office before school, at break or during lunch. 
• Students with “Early Dismissal Passes” can leave class at the time on their pass. The parent/guardian picking up the student does not need to come in to the Attendance Office to check out the student. 
• Picking up a student during class time without advance (2 hours) notice will be marked as Unexcused Absence even if a note is presented later. Without advance notice, they will be asked to wait while we deliver the pass, as we do not call nor email during class time. To excuse the absence please provide note from Provider.

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Tardy Policy

Students are considered tardy if they arrive within the first 10 minutes of class. Arrival to class late, by more than 10 minutes, will be considered an absence.

If you arrive late to school and have no excuse note, just go right to class. If you have a note, bring it to the attendance office where you will be issued a pass to class.

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How to Report or Excuse an Absence

Please send an email or a written note with your student to the Attendance Office. Please include a valid reason when excusing absences within three (3) school days. After 3 days, the absences will NOT be excused.

The Attendance Office requires a note from your child’s doctor if your child is absent due to illness or injury for an excessive number of days (3 or more school days) before excusing those absences.

If you will be gone on a pre-planned event, make sure you fill out a Pre-Planned Absence Form and have teachers sign your form. Please do this at least three (3) days in advance of the planned event.

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Seattle School District Valid Excuses

Excused absences meet at least one of the criteria set out in state laws that govern legal rights and responsibilities of students and our Superintendent’s Attendance Procedure.

• Participation in a district or school approved activity or instructional program;
• Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including, but not limited to, medical, counseling, dental, optometry, pregnancy, and inpatient or out-patient treatment for chemical dependency or mental health) for the student or person for whom the student is legally responsible;
• Family emergency, including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family;
• Religious or cultural purpose including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction; Court, judicial proceeding, court-ordered activity, or jury service;
• Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview;
• State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055;
• Absence directly related to the student’s homeless or out of home care status;
• Absences related to deployment activities of a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010;
• Absence resulting from a disciplinary/corrective action (e.g., short-term or long-term suspension, emergency expulsion);
• Absences due to student safety concerns, including absences related to threats, assaults, or bullying;
• Absences due to a student’s migrant status; and
• An approved activity that is consistent with district policy and is mutually agreed upon by the principal or designee and a parent, guardian, or an adult, emancipated or appropriately aged student.

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Truancy

A letter is mailed monthly to parents of students who have at least 3 unexcused absences in the system.