Attendance and Truancy Home
Why Attendance Matters
Academic Achievement
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.
Social and Emotional Development
School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.
Future Success
Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.
Attendance at Ephrata Schools
Every day counts! At Ephrata Schools we care that every student shows up to school, all day every day. We are committed to working with families to ensure that every student attends school regularly and achieves their full potential. By prioritizing attendance, we can create a brighter future for all our students.
We are here to help you. Let’s be partners in this journey.
We understand that there are many reasons why your student might miss school.
Our goal is to set you and your family up for success.
If there are ways we can help, please contact us:
District Attendance Policy
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It is important that you contact your child’s school if your child is absent from school.
On the day of your student’s absence, you will receive a notification via phone call, text, or email via ParentSquare. Contacting parents and guardians of students who are not in class is an important measure undertaken by the District to ensure the safety of all of our students.
How do I Excuse my Child’s Absence?
Excused absences and tardies must be verified by a parent or guardian within 48 hours of the absence. To exuse your student, you may:
- Send a message via ParentSquare to your child’s school.
- Send a note of explaination with your child to school.
- Call or email your student’s school to explain the absence.
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Absences that are not excused may result in disciplinary action.
All absences are considered unexcused, until the school receives a note or email documenting a valid reason for the absence. If the reason isn’t valid, the absence is still considered unexcused. If the note isn’t received within 48 hours, the absence is considered unexcused. Unexcused absences are considered “unlawful absences” if the student is of compulsory school age.
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The Ephrata School District recognizes that there may be legitimate reasons for absences, such as illness, family emergencies or religious observances. Parents/guardians are required to provide documentation to excuse absences. Documentation must be submitted within 48 hours.
A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:
- Illness, health condition or medical appointment (including for the student or a person for whom the student is legally responsible).
- Family emergency, including a death or illness in the family.
- Religious or cultural purposes, including observance of a religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious instruction.
- Court, judicial proceeding, court-ordered activity or jury service.
- Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation or scholarship interview.
- State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055.
- Absence directly related to the student’s homless or foster care/dependency status.
- Absences related to deployment activities of a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010.
- Absences due to suspensions, explusions or emergency explusions if the student is not receiving educational services.
- Absences due to student safety concerns, including threats, assaults or bullying.
- Absences due to a student’s migrant status.
- Absences due to the student’s lack of necessary instructional tools, including internet access or connectivity.
- Absences for parent-approved activities, if agreed to by the principal and parent/guardian.
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Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. [School District Name] is committed to working with families to address chronic absenteeism and support student success. We are committed to your child’s success and we are your partner. Together, we can set your student up for success!
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A state law in Washington, called the “Becca Bill,” requires all children between ages 8 and 18 to attend school full-time and every day. The law also outlines valid reasons for excused absence along with other requirements for schools, parents and guardians. Learn more about state laws.
Our Schools’ Duties When a Student is Absent
- If your child has three unexcused absences in one month, state law RCW 28A.225.020 requires we schedule a conference with you and your child.
- In elementary school, after five excused absences in any month, or 10 or more excused absences in a school year, the school is required to contact you to schedule a conference.
- If your child has seven unexcused absences in any month of 15 absences within the school year, the school district is required to file a Petition with the Juvenile Court. RCW 28A.225.010.
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Students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day. Staff will keep a record of absences and tardies, including a call log and / or a record of excuse statements submitted by a parent / guardian, or in certain cases, a student.
We believe that strong partnerships between families and schools are essential for ensuring student success. By working together, we can create a culture of attendance where every student feels motivated and supported to attend school every day.