We strongly encourage you to schedule outside appointments before or after school hours. However, we understand there are times when unforeseen events occur and may require your child to miss a day of school, report late, or leave early. When this happens, please follow these guidelines:
Full-Day Absence
We will mark all absences as unexcused until a parent either:
- completes the online attendance reporting form within three school days of the absence; or
- calls the attendance office at 804-365-4750 within three school days of the absence; or
- sends a parent-signed note to provide a reason for the absence to the attendance office within three school days of the absence; or
- sends medical or legal documentation by email ([email protected]) within three school days of the absence; or
- sends medical or legal documentation to the attendance office within three school days of the absence.
There is no need to call OKMS if you have already filled out the online attendance reporting form.
Please note, after 10 full-day absences, a medical note is required to excuse the absence.
Late Arrival
- We consider any student who reports to school after 8:45 a.m. to be late, and we will mark them tardy.
- If your child arrives late to school, after 8:45 a.m., the student must be walked into the building and signed in at the attendance office.
- A student may enter and sign themselves in unaccompanied only with a note from a medical provider to turn into the attendance office.
Early Dismissal
- Persons signing out a student early must be listed as authorized to do so in PowerSchool. Photo ID is required. No exceptions!
- We will call the student from class only after an authorized person has signed the student out at the Attendance Office.
A student’s academic success is directly tied to his/her regular school attendance. Please do your best to ensure your child regularly attends school and consistently reports on time and ready to learn.
Student attendance is a cooperative effort involving the school, parents, and students. Every parent, guardian, or another person in Hanover County having control or charge of any child between the ages of 5 and 18 is subject to Virginia’s compulsory school laws. With the support from their parents, we expect Hanover County public school students to accept responsibility for good attendance. School attendance is related directly to academic achievement and the development of good habits which are important in college and employment. Students shall attend school for a full day unless otherwise excused. Secondary students shall be scheduled for a full school day unless they are enrolled in a cooperative work-study program. All other exceptions to a full-day schedule must be approved on an individual basis by the division superintendent or his designee.
Students are to be in their assigned classes and on the school grounds during the entire school day. Students must obtain permission from the principal or his/her designee to leave the school grounds before the designated closing of the school day. Principals and assistant principals may assign Saturday school, detention, or in-school suspension to students with infractions for skipping school and/or class.
Contact
Melissa Hayes
Administrative Assistant, Attendance/School Counseling
804-365-4750