Attendance & Absences
Attendance & Absences
School Day
Start Time: 7:40 AM
Dismissal: 2:25 PM
Every day counts! At Washington Township Schools we care that every student shows up to school, all day every day. Washington Township is 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.
Contact Information
(317) 259-8864
Please call the attendance line before 9:00 AM. If your student is arriving late or leaving early for an appointment, please request a note from the dentist, doctor, etc. All notes should be given to the front office for record keeping. Offices may also fax notes to (317) 576-5255.
Why Attendance Matters
Students achieve at a higher level when they attend school regularly and punctually. This is an important responsibility for both the student and parents/guardians. When a student must be absent, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school office/attendance office on the morning of the absence. If a student arrives at school after the day has begun or must leave early for medical appointments or other reasons, they must be signed in and out by a parent/guardian.
Student attendance shall be in conformance with Indiana law, IC 20-33-2. Absence, as referred to hereinafter, shall be defined as the missing of all or any portion of the school day by a student for any and all reasons. Thus defined, absence shall include tardiness to class or departure from class prior to the scheduled dismissal time. Absences will be classified as days of attendance, excused, prearranged (excused if approved), unexcused, truant, suspended/expelled and late arrival and early dismissal.
Parents/guardians should be informed of how your child’s school handles excessive absences including consequences that may be applied according to District guidelines.
District Attendance Policy
The following information can be found in the Student Handbook.
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Students absences (a total of excused and unexcused) must not exceed ten (10) days for the school year. Suspensions will not be counted toward the 10-day limit.
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- Personal illness or injury
- Any student who is absent from school for five consecutive days due to illness must present a doctor’s statement verifying that it is appropriate for the student to return to school. The school reserves the right to require a doctor’s statement from students who are absent as indicated by the nature of the illness, such as communicable disease
- Medical, Dental Court or other required appointment
- Medical appointments should be scheduled before or after school to minimize the amount of school missed. Medical appointments should not be scheduled during semester exams
- Religious observances
- Death in the immediate family
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Days of Attendance:
- Service as a page for the Indiana General Assembly (High School)
- Service on a precinct election board, helper to a political candidate or political party on the date of each general, city or town, special and primary election
- Subpoena to appear in court as a witness in a judicial proceeding (IC 20-33-2-16).
- Service in active duty with the National Guard for not more than ten (10) days (IC 20-33-2-17).
- Participating as a member of the Indiana wing of the civil air patrol for not more than five (D) days (IC 20- 33-2-17.2).
- Participating in an educationally related non-classroom activity which is consistent with and promotes educational philosophy and goals of the School Corporation, facilitates the attainment of specific, educational objectives, is part of the goals and objectives of an approved courts or curriculum, represents a unique educational opportunity, cannot responsibly occur without interrupting the school day, and is approved in advance by the school principal (IC 20-33-2-17.5).
- Attendance at a school for religious instruction
- Detention in the Juvenile Center
- Patient at a hospital or mental health facility when attending District approved in-house classes or receiving District approved on-site learning. The attendance status of students receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) will be determined at the direction of the Office of Student Services.
- Recipient of homebound services
- Attendance at a school sponsored activity during the normal school day.
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Any absence from school or class not included as an excused absence is considered an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences include (but are not limited to) missing the bus, family vacations, oversleeping, participation in non-school sponsored extracurriculars, etc.
Attendance Tips
Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can.
Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home. If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator.
Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning. If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s school.
Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours. Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience.