Attendance Policy

Bethel School District Attendance Policies

• 3122 Excused and Unexcused Absences Policy
• 3122PR Procedures for Handling Excused and Unexcused Absences

OSPI

• Bulletin 006-21: Emergency Absence Rule - (Effective February 16, 2021) 
• Emergency Rule Language - (Effective February 16, 2021)
• Frequently Asked Questions (Updated February 24, 2021)

AWSP/OSPI Statewide Attendance Guidance Webinar (Sept. 10, 2020)

SPANAWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICIES

Late or Absent

A note or phone call from home is required to excuse an absence. Students who return from an absence need to report to the attendance office prior to the start of school. Only valid reasons for an absence or tardy will be accepted. See “Excused Absence” for the list of excused absence situations.

Homework Requests

If the absence is for more than three days, assignments can be collected upon request. Requested make-up work may be collected the following day after 1:30 p.m. Please allow 24 hours for homework to be collected from teachers. Many teachers make work available on Canvas, the Bethel School District’s Learning Management System. Please check with individual teachers regarding Canvas.                       

Planned Absence

A parent/guardian note is required for pre-arranged absences. Assignments may be requested ahead of the absence. The principal may, upon request by a parent, grant permission in advance for a student’s absence providing such absence does not adversely affect the student’s education.

Excused Absence

Regular school attendance is necessary for mastery of the educational program provided to students of the district. Students at times may appropriately be absent from class. Students are responsible for making up any missed work and turning it in.

The following situations will result in an excused absence:

• Illness or health condition.
• Religious observance when requested by a student’s parents.
• School-approved activities.
• Family emergencies.
• Doctor’s appointment or professional appointment with a note from their office.
• Leaving Early
• If students will need to leave school early, they must bring a note from home and turn it in to the attendance office in the morning to receive an early-dismissal pass.

Leaving Early

If students will need to leave school early, they must bring a note from home and turn it in to the attendance office in the morning to receive an early-dismissal pass.

Bus Passes

To receive a bus pass, students must bring a note from their parent/guardian to the attendance office before school or during their lunch. Because it is difficult to verify this information over the phone, only signed notes or emails from parents will be accepted. Please email the attendance clerk before 1 p.m. of the day you plan to ride the bus.

Emergency Dismissal

In the event of a sustained power failure or other emergency, it may be necessary to dismiss school early. Buses may not be available. You should decide as a family what your plan is for getting home, and have it on file with attendance or the health clerk. Students are never allowed to leave with anyone who is not on their emergency contacts.

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