Parent Resource Dashboard

If your child has missed 5 out of the first 40 days of school, they may be considered chronically absent. That may sound surprising, but even a few missed days add up quickly.

Coming to school every day is one of the best ways to help your child succeed. When children come to school consistently, they build strong academic skills, develop healthy routines, and feel more connected to their teachers and classmates. Every school day offers something important, new lessons, hands-on activities, social interactions, and opportunities to grow.

When a child misses school, they miss learning that is hard to replace; like class discussions, teamwork, and hands-on practice. Even small gaps can make school feel harder for them later on.

Over time, frequent absences can lead to learning struggles, frustration, and a harder time keeping up in future grades. We want to help prevent that.

Most importantly, we care deeply about your child. We want them to feel successful, supported, and proud of themselves. Good attendance helps make that possible.

We know life happens, and we’re here to support you. Together, we can help your child make the most of every school day and build a strong foundation for their future.

Chronically Absent

A student is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% of school in a quarter or full year — excused and unexcused absences both count. Example: If school has 40 days and your child misses 5, they may be considered chronically absent.

Habitually Truant

A student is habitually truant with: - 4 unexcused absences in 30 days, OR - 10 unexcused absences in the school year

Why This Matters

These categories help the school know when a student may need extra support so they don’t fall behind academically or socially.

Why Partnership Matters

Good attendance is a team effort. Families know their children best, and the school provides resources, structure, and support. When we communicate early, we can help students avoid falling behind in reading, math, and social skills.

How Parents Can Help

• Create a consistent morning and bedtime routine • Schedule appointments outside school hours whenever possible • Reach out when your child is struggling—behaviorally, academically, or emotionally • Let the school know immediately when your child must miss school

How the School Supports Families

• Early check-ins from teachers, counselors, and administration • Problem-solving and attendance planning that fits your family’s needs • Resources for anxiety, morning challenges, or other barriers • Positive communication and teamwork focused on the child

Shared Goal

To ensure every child attends school consistently, safely, and successfully, and feels confident and connected at school.

What Counts as an Excused Absence

An absence is excused when the parent/guardian contacts the school and the reason fits into one of the approved categories below:

✔ Illness

• Child has a fever, vomiting, contagious illness

• Parent calls the school that morning

• If the illness lasts more than 3 days, a doctor’s note is required

✔ Medical, Dental, or Therapy Appointments

• Must provide appointment slip or documentation

• Parents are encouraged to schedule after school when possible

✔ Religious Observances

• Recognized religious holiday or event

• Parent notifies the school beforehand

✔ Death in the family

• Absence excused with documentation when needed

✔ Military Block Leave

• Up to 5 school days

• Requires a copy of military orders

• Military Graduations

✔ Emergencies

• Situations such as accidents, family crises, or urgent safety issues

• Approved by administration on a case-by-case basis

What Does NOT Count as an Excused Absence

An absence becomes unexcused when the reason does not fit the allowed categories or when the school does not hear from a parent.

✘ Oversleeping

“Alarm didn’t go off” or “late morning” is not excused.

✘ Family Errands or Appointments Not Related to Health

• Grocery shopping

• Oil change

• Picking up relatives

• Dropping off paperwork
  These are not considered excused.

✘ Vacations or Trips During School Days

Travel days, family trips, or visiting relatives are unexcused unless approved in advance

✘ Staying Home Without a Valid Reason

• “Didn’t feel like going”

• “Needed a break”

• “Was tired”
  These do not qualify for excusal.

✘ Parent Didn’t Call

Even if the child was sick, if the parent/guardian does not contact the school, the absence is marked unexcused.

Option 1: Call the Attendance Line

Attendance Line: 719-358-4320
Leave your child’s name, teacher, date of absence, and the reason for the absence.

Option 2: Submit the Online Absence Form

You can also report an absence using our quick online Google Form:

Absence Reporting Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceDqaa6EAkK0REXBjdSdnaIAqLZoNMhS8-lij0goFrh_90iA/viewform

Step 1: Early Check-Ins

When absences start becoming a concern, you may receive:

• A phone call from the teacher

• A call from the school counselor

• A call from the Dean of Students

These are friendly conversations meant to:
• Make sure your family is okay
• Understand why your child is missing school
• Offer help or resources if needed

This stage is all about support, not consequences.

Step 2: Written Notice

If absences continue, you will receive an Attendance Warning Letter.
This letter explains:

• How many absences your child has

• Why this puts them at risk for truancy

• What needs to improve

• What support the school can provide

The goal is to make sure everyone is aware of the situation and on the same page.

Step 3: Attendance Team Meeting

You’ll be invited to meet with members of our attendance team.
During the meeting, we work together to:

• Identify barriers (transportation, morning routines, illness, stress, etc.)

• Create a tailored plan to help your child attend regularly

• Connect your family with school or community supports

This meeting is not disciplinary—it’s problem-solving and partnership.

Step 4: Student Attendance Plan

If absences continue after the meeting, the school may put a formal Attendance Plan in place.
This plan outlines:

• Expectations for improved attendance

• Actions the school will take to support your child

• What families agree to at home

The plan is designed to help—not punish.

Step 5: Notice of Non-Compliance & Court (Last Resort)

If the Attendance Plan does not improve attendance, the district may issue a:

• Notice of Non-Compliance, followed by

• A truancy court hearing

This only happens when all school-based supports have been tried and the student continues to miss school without acceptable reasons.

Our Promise

Our goal is to partner with families early, offer support, and help children succeed. We want to resolve attendance issues before they reach any formal or legal steps. We're here to help, not to punish.