Missing School Adds Up. 2 Days a Month = About 18 Days a Year

Missing approximately two days of school each month can result in a student missing about 10% of the school year. Chronic absenteeism includes all absences, excused, unexcused, and out-of-school suspension days.

 

When Should I Be Concerned?

Don't wait until your child has missed 18 days. Attendance patterns develop over time. Families and schools can work together early when a student begins missing school frequently. Think about 10%. A student who misses:

• 2 of the first 20 school days is already at the 10% chronic absence level.
• 5 of the first 50 school days is at the 10% level.
• 10 of the first 100 school days is at the 10% level.
• 18 of 180 school days has missed 10% of the school year.

If absences are beginning to add up, contact your child's school. Early support can make a difference.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chronic absenteeism? Chronic absenteeism means missing 10% or more of the school days in which a student is enrolled. ALL absences count toward chronic absenteeism.

Does an excused absence still count as an absence? Yes. An excused absence may meet the requirements for an acceptable reason for missing school, but the student has still missed instructional time. Excused and unexcused absences are both included when determining chronic absenteeism.

Why do I keep receiving calls when I send in notes? Even when an absence is excused, your child is still missing valuable instructional time. HCPS staff care about your child’s success and are expected to reach out early, usually after 3 or 4 absences, to talk with families, identify any barriers to regular attendance, and determine how we can help. Our goal is to partner with you early and provide support before absences begin to add up.

What should I do if my child is sick? Notify your child's school according to the school's attendance procedures, and follow the guidance provided on page 5 of the Family Attendance Guide. Families should also provide required documentation when applicable.

What if my child does not want to go to school? Talk with your child and contact the school as soon as possible. School avoidance may be connected to anxiety, academic difficulty, bullying, peer relationships, behavior, or another concern. Working together early can help us understand what is happening and develop a plan to support your child.

What if transportation is preventing my child from attending? Contact your child's school. Transportation problems should be communicated as soon as possible so the school can help determine what resources or solutions may be available.

What if our family is experiencing homelessness or housing instability? Please contact your child's school or the district's homeless liaison, Dr. Sophia Allmond. Students experiencing homelessness or housing instability have educational rights and may qualify for services and support under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Who should I contact if my family needs help? Start with your child's school. Depending on the concern, your family may be connected with a school counselor, school social worker, school nurse, administrator, transportation staff member, or another member of the HCPS support team. We would rather hear from you early than have your family face an attendance challenge alone.

Attendance Is a Partnership

Students: Come to school every day, arrive on time, participate in learning, and tell a trusted adult when something is making it difficult to attend school.

Families: Establish regular school-day routines, monitor attendance, communicate with the school about absences, and let us know when your family needs help overcoming an attendance barrier.

Schools: Create welcoming environments, monitor attendance, communicate with families, schedule meetings, identify emerging concerns, and work with students and families to provide appropriate interventions and support.

District Leaders: Provide guidance, resources, professional learning, data support, and coordinated services to help schools and families improve student attendance and address barriers.

Community Partners: Work alongside HCPS and families to connect students with resources and services that support their well-being, stability, and ability to attend school consistently.