This policy: Establishes firm expectations that on-time school and class attendance are important in sustaining the learning environment and in meeting individual learning needs. It is of utmost importance that children arrive on time daily. Punctuality, a character trait emphasizing the value we place on others’ time, not just our own, is an important part of the overall educational process. 

Parents must notify the school every time a student is absent. Parents may call the campus phone to let administration know but an email to the teacher, copying ParkSchool’s Receptionist at snalley@parkschoolfl.org is also accepted. 

If your student arrives at Park School after the 8:31am morning bell, they will be counted as tardy for the day. Your student will not receive a tardy slip, but it will be noted in the attendance system. If a student arrives tardy, the parent must park and come into the front office to sign their student into school.
Please note that three tardies will equal one absence.
If the student has more than four unexcused absences in a quarter then they will be required to attend mandatory Friday make-up class after Friday early dismissal. (6th- 8th)

COVID Exception: 
Absences specifically related to COVID, including quarantine, are documented but are not counted as attendance policy related absences for the 2024-25 academic year.

1. Excused and Unexcused Absences:
   Excused absences: Excused absences include:
   
2. Illness and injury
3. Illness or death in a student’s immediate family.
4. Doctor or dentist appointment with documentation from their office.
5. An extended or serious illness/injury requires a doctor’s note. If your child is absent for five or more consecutive days, you must provide a doctor’s note verifying the illness or injury.

Unexcused Absences:

1. Submitting a signed excuse which does not constitute an excused absence.
2. Failing to submit any type of excuse statement signed by doctor or parent.

Truancy:
Truancy is commonly known as the unauthorized absence from compulsory education. Section 1003.26 of the Florida Statutes codifies enforcement of school attendance.

When a student has a total of 15 days of unexcused absences from school during any 90-calendar-day period, a student will be considered truant. A meeting with the student and parents will be scheduled.

Tardiness:
Tardiness is disruptive to the learning environment and can have a negative impact on student achievement. Excessive tardiness (more than 1 time per week) will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Illness in School:
A student with a temperature above normal or who is exhibiting other signs of illness will be evaluated, parents notified and sent home.