Our School » Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy

ATTENDANCE LINE 509-565-3698
If your child will be out of school for any reason, please call the attendance line.  When calling please provide the reason the student is absent from school including specific symptoms your child is experiencing if they are ill (e.g. high fever, sore throat, vomiting, ect.)
 
Dear Parents/Guardians of Michael Anderson Elementary Students: 

Michael Anderson Elementary recognizes the importance of regular school attendance as a 
necessity for mastery of the educational program provided to students. As such, students are 
expected to attend school all day. Studies show many children who miss too many days in 
kindergarten and first grade can struggle academically in later years. They often have trouble 
mastering reading by the end of third grade.  

It is the parent’s responsibility to report each and every absence. Please call the school office, 
509-565-3698 before 8:00 am and provide the student’s name, teacher’s name and reason 
for the absence. Your call will be recorded by an automated system (24 hours a day) or 
handled directly by office personnel. You may also send an email to 
[email protected].

In order to obtain the best possible education, it is important that students attend class on a 
daily basis and arrive on time. Regular classroom participation is necessary to achieve the best 
possible learning situation for every student.  

Students are considered chronically absent if they miss 10% of school days, regardless 
of the reason...That's two days a month.  

Washington State law requires attendance conferences triggered after:  
● Two (2) unexcused absences 
● Five (5) excused absences in a month  
● Ten (10) excused absences in a year  

We know that there are a wide variety of reasons that students are absent from school, from 
health concerns to transportation challenges. There are many people in our building prepared to 
help you if you or your student face challenges in getting to school regularly or on time. We are 
here to help remove barriers to attendance.