We started the school year notifying families by phone call if their student had an unexcused absence that day.
We will be switching to a new system that will text and email families about student absences. If we are unable to reach a family by text message, we will call as a backup.
We are rolling out these changes to schools in groups:
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Notifications start Jan. 13 at Hawk at JP, Klahowya, and Green Mountain.
- Notifications start Jan. 20 at Ridgetop, Brownsville, Silver Ridge, Emerald Heights, and Esquire Hills
- Notifications start Jan. 27 at CK High, CK Middle, Clear Creek, Cougar Valley, and Silverdale.
- Notifications start Feb. 3 at Olympic, Fairview, PineCrest, Woodlands, and Cottonwood.
Who will be contacted?
Previously, we contacted only one individual per student. Now, we will contact all authorized guardians. Guardians must receive notifications for emergencies and other school information deemed important, such as attendance and lunch balances. We cannot opt these individuals out of urgent communications.
How can I excuse and absence?
Guardians can respond to absence notifications within our new communication platform, ParentSquare. Families can also call the attendance office to excuse absences. Detailed information on your school’s absence procedures can be found on school websites under “Contact Us.”
As always, contact us as soon as possible if you know your child will be absent. You must contact us within two school days after your child’s absence to be excused. According to our district policy and state law, your child’s absence may be excused for illnesses, religious observances and family emergencies. Unexcused absences can carry serious consequences.
How do I view absences in ParentSquare?
Absence notices will be available for three weeks in the “Alerts” section, however the option to send a note to the attendance office is only available for two days.
On the mobile app, view absence notices from the alerts section of the lower menu.
In the web browser version, absences notices can be found in the left menu.
