Students and their parents are responsible for knowing the attendance policy. Regular and punctual attendance is essential for academic success. Most subjects are taught sequentially, and consistent attendance ensures students build understanding in the correct order. Excessive absences are taken seriously, as they can significantly hinder a student’s progress. The importance of prompt and regular attendance cannot be too greatly emphasized. A good attendance record is related to high student achievement.
When a student returns to school following an absence, parents/guardians or a physician should send a note to the classroom teacher stating the reason for the absence within 3 days. If the student fails to bring a note, the absence will be marked unexcused.
The following circumstances are the only lawful reasons for school absence.
The Wilkes County Board of Education shall excuse the temporary absence of a student upon showing satisfactory evidence of one of the following bases:
1. Illness or injury 4. Court or administrative proceeding
2. Quarantine 5. Death in the immediate family
3. Medical or dental appointment 6. Religious Observance
(Refer to WCS Attendance Policy.)
According to NC state statute, parents will be sent a letter when a student has three, six, and ten UNEXCUSED absences. If a student has more than ten total absences, a conference is required with the school attendance committee. WCS Board Policy states that students may be retained if 10 or more absences occur within the school year. Parents will be contacted when there are questions or concerns about a student’s absences.
To be counted present, a student must attend at least half of the instructional day. Regular, on-time attendance is crucial to academic success and is closely linked to student achievement. Tardiness disrupts learning. A student is considered tardy if not seated and ready when school begins.
Tardies are recorded on the student’s attendance record.
Arriving late or leaving early (even if returning later) counts as a tardy.
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring students arrive on time.
Note: All families in the Moravian Falls School District are eligible for free bus transportation.