Genesee Hill Elementary

Genesee Hill
Elementary
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Genesee Hill Elementary School / Student Life / Attendance

Attendance

Attendance at Genesee Hill

If your child will be absent from school, please remember to email your student’s teacher and the attendance office at geneseehill.attendance@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-9700. 

We are legally required to contact parents regarding all absences. 

All unreported absences are marked as unexcused until we hear from the parent. 

If you email your child’s teacher that they will be absent ahead of time (planned vacations, doctor’s appointments, or extended absences), please also send that attendance information to the attendance office email posted above.

Students arriving to their classrooms after 7:55 a.m. are marked tardy. 

Medically related reasons or family emergencies are excused. 

Any student who arrives at 7:55 a.m. or later will need to check in at the front office to be admitted into class. 

If you need to pick your child up early, please come to the front entrance and ring the bell. The office staff will call your child’s classroom and ask their teacher to send them to the office.

SPS Student Attendance

All children in Washington state have a constitutionally guaranteed right to an education. They are also legally required to attend school. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% of school, regardless of the reason — that’s 18 days in a school year!

Regular school attendance is the key to student academic success. Attendance has a dramatic impact on key milestones, including 3rd grade reading, 9th grade achievement, high school graduation, and life success.

Unexcused Absences and Truancy – WA State Law “Becca Bill”

If a student has unexcused absences, Washington state law requires that schools take specific actions:

Grades K-5 Truancy

5 excused absences in a month

Schedule a family conference, convene 504/IEP and/or McKinney-Vento team if applicable.

10 excused absences in the school year

Schedule a family conference, convene 504/IEP and/or McKinney-Vento team if applicable.

1st unexcused absence

Inform parent/Guardian in home language.

3rd unexcused absences

Schedule a meeting/conference with the parent/legal guardian and student. Convene 504/IEP/McKinney-Vento if applicable.

Between the 2nd and 7th unexcused absence

The school is required to take data informed steps* to address barriers to attendance.

7th unexcused absences within 30 days

School must either enter into a written agreement with the family, refer to District Attendance Office, or file a truancy petition in juvenile court.

15th unexcused absences in a school year

School must enter into a written agreement, if not done so yet. District Attendance Office will file Truancy Petition.

Learn more about K-5 Truancy Laws

Grades 6-12 Truancy

1st Unexcused Absence

Must inform the parent/guardian there is an unexcused absence.

Between the 2nd and 7th Unexcused Absence
3rd Unexcused Absence
  • Must schedule a conference to identify barriers, provide supports and resources.
  • Who should be at the conference?
    • At least one school district employee such as a nurse, counselor, social worker, teacher, or community human services provider
    • the parent/guardian/supportive adult
    • the student
    • If a student has a 504 or IEP and/or McKinney-Vento: The IEP team that created the program or plan is required.
Not later than the 7th Unexcused Absence
  1. Enter into an attendance agreement between the school, parent, & student,
  2. Refer to a Community Engagement Board (CEB), OR
  3. File a Truancy Petition
7th Unexcused Absence

7th excused absence in a month and not later than fifteenth unexcused absence in a year: must file a truancy petition with Juvenile Court.

Learn more about 6th-12th grade Truancy Laws

How to Check Attendance

Parents and guardians can check their student’s attendance on The Source.

Log in to The Source

How to Report Student Absences

If your student is going to be absent, please contact your student’s school in advance. If an absence was unplanned, please contact the school within two school days of your student’s return.

How can families help?

We miss your student when they are gone, and we value their contributions to their school. Please help us ensure your student attends regularly and is successful in school:

  • Have your child attend school unless they are truly sick, such as a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a contagious rash, any health conditions related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases as defined in WA state law.
  • Schedule appointments and arrange travel for times when school is not in session.
  • Keep track of your child’s attendance. Missing school, excused or unexcused, puts your child at risk of falling behind.
  • Maintain communication with your student’s school and teacher if additional support is needed or to discuss barriers that prevent your student from participation.
  • Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Ensure that your child finishes their homework the night before.

Contact Us

Contact your school:

  • To report a student absence
  • If you have a question about an automated message you received
  • If you have general attendance questions

Contact the SPS Attendance Office:

  • If you have questions about truancy
  • If you have questions about an attendance letter you received from the district or court

SPS Attendance Office
attendance@seattleschools.org 
206-252-0827
SPS Attendance Office webpage