Attendance
“How do you measure, measure a school year?”
In school, it’s measured in moments that build confidence, friendships, curiosity, and growth. It’s measured in lessons that spark “aha moments”, projects that inspire innovation, performances that build courage, and relationships that help students feel connected and supported.
YCSD students spend more than 66,000 minutes learning each school year. Every one of those minutes matters.
Be in School ... On Time, All Day, Every Day
A missed day here and there may not seem like much, but over time, those missed minutes can add up. Many lessons build on previous learning, making regular attendance important for helping students keep up with classroom instruction, assignments, and learning experiences.
Attendance Requirements
Children between the ages of 5 and 18 are required to attend school every day school is in session. Schools are also required to record student attendance daily.
Commonwealth of Virginia Attendance Code
Students are expected to be in school every day, all day. However, we know that there may be times this is not possible.
Tardy
Students are expected to arrive at school on time and ready to learn. Arriving late can cause students to miss important instruction and affect classroom routines.
Students arriving after the start of the school day should report to the school office before going to class.
Early Pick-up/Dismissal
We encourage families to schedule appointments and early pickups outside of the school day whenever possible.
Leaving school early may cause students to miss important instruction, classroom activities, and end-of-day routines.
Excused Absences
Students may be absent for identified reasons, such as the following:
- Illness
- Religious and cultural observances
- Military deployment
- Family emergency and/or funeral of an immediate family member
Additional information is available in the YCSD Student Handbook and Conduct Code.
Unexcused Absences
When a reason for an absence is not provided or does not meet the guidelines outlined in the YCSD Student Handbook and Conduct Code, the absence may be marked unexcused.
Students may only make up assignments for excused absences.
Reporting Student Absences
If your child will be absent, please let your child’s school know that day. You can report student absences by phone, email and online forms available on the YCSD mobile app, or on your child's school website.
YCSD believes strong school-home partnerships are key to helping students overcome attendance challenges and remain on track for success.
Truancy
Under Virginia law, absences without approved documentation may be considered unexcused.
Virginia law requires schools to communicate with families and provide attendance support when student absences begin to add up, including after five unexcused absences and ten total absences.
Chronic Absenteeism
Students who miss 10 percent or more of the school year whether the absences are excused or unexcused, are considered chronically absent. For students enrolled the entire school year, that means approximately 18 days per year or 2 to 3 days per month.
School Action Steps for Student Absences
| 5 Unexcused Absences | 6-8 Unexcused Absences | 10 Unexcused Absences |
|---|---|---|
| An attendance letter is sent home and an attendance plan is developed. | The school truancy team will meet to review the plan and consider additional interventions. | The division truancy officer will meet with the family and school-based truancy team to discuss the attendance improvement plan and a court referral may be submitted. |
Every day, every minute counts.
By working together as families, students, and schools, we can ensure every student is supported, engaged, and ready for a successful future.