Attendance Information

Absences (PWCS Attendance Information)
It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to see that their child attends school on time, every single day. Children who often are absent from school miss fundamental reading and math skills and the chance to build good attendance habits that will carry them through high school. Studies have shown that students who are chronically absent beginning in kindergarten were far less likely to be reading on grade level by the end of third grade.

In Section 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia states, "Whenever any student fails to report to school on a regularly scheduled school day and no indication has been received by school personnel that the student's parent/guardian is aware of the student's absence, the parent/guardian will be notified by the school." Penn’s office staff will attempt to reach the phone numbers on the emergency list to verify the absence.

How to report an absence

• Absences can be reported in ParentVUE the same day of the absence.

• If your child is going to be absent, we ask that you call the school at 703-590-0344 before school starts. Please send a note with your child when they come back explaining why they were absent. 

• Regarding extended absences, in accordance with PWCS Regulation 724-1, “In order for any prearranged absences to be classified as excused, principals shall be notified in writing within a reasonable amount of time prior to the absence.” Parents will be strongly encouraged to schedule family trips during school holidays. Prearranged absences that extend beyond 15 school days will result in the withdrawal of the student from school. In this situation, parents would be required to re-enroll their child. Excessive prearranged absences may result in absences being unexcused.

• Classwork for excused absences may be made up according to Regulation 724-1. The student or parent is responsible for obtaining assignments. The best way for your child to succeed at our school is to have them here every day, learning. By working together, we can ensure the success of your child at Penn.

• Students who are not in their classroom 9:20 a.m. will be marked tardy.
• A student's tardy will be recorded as excused or unexcused based on whether the reason for the late arrival meets the excused or unexcused absence criteria outlined in the PWCS Attendance Guidelines.

How to report an excused tardy

• All absences/ tardies will be entered as unexcused unless a written note and/or phone call is received to verify the absence/tardy.

• As a reminder, early dismissal is disruptive to teachers, other students, and the staff who are preparing for a quick and safe dismissal. If you need to pick your child up early because of an appointment, please send a note with the student to the teacher and plan on arriving 15 minutes earlier than you need to leave. Please park and report to the office and do not leave your car unattended in the pickup line. Make sure you bring your ID!
• Dismissal is a very busy time of day, especially in the front of the building and office. We greatly encourage parents to NOT pick up students between 3:30 and 4:00 PM. Teachers are busy with important end-of-the-day wrap-up activities and working to ensure that students have everything they need to go home safely. We would prefer not to dismiss students after 3:30 PM from their classes until dismissal time due to the safety of all students.

Attendance letters will be sent for excessive/chronic absences. In addition, parents may be asked to attend an attendance meeting. Both excused and unexcused absences count toward absence totals.*