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Attendance

Bethel Middle School Attendance Guidelines

Compulsory Attendance: In the State of Washington, school attendance is compulsory for children 8 years and older. The Washington State truancy law, otherwise known as The Becca Bill requires schools to notify parents and guardians of the absences. The school and parent must make a plan when there are unexcused absences recorded. It is our desire to work with families to ensure compulsory attendance of our students. We believe that students who are on time and attend school regularly will build a foundation for academic and social success. Thank you for your support and cooperation with our efforts to ensure good attendance at Bethel Middle School.

Start Time:  7:10 a.m (in seat when bell rings) daily; 8:10 a.m. on late start Monday.

Dismissal Time:   1:40 pm daily, 9:40 am on early dismissal days

Tardies:

  • All late arrivals must check in with a note from the parent upon arrival
  • Unexcused tardies will result in the student receiving lunch after school detention.

Absences:

  • When your student is absent, it is important for parents to either call our attendance line; verify the absence in ParentVue, or send a written excuse. When calling in please leave the reason for the absence and the dates of the absence.
  • If we have not heard from the parent regarding the absence, parents will receive an automated voice message.

Leaving Early and Change in Transportation Plan:

  • Parents must come into the building to sign students out if leaving early. Please have identification. Please remember: Everyone must have a current photo id in order to enter the building. 
  • Any changes in transportation plans must have a written note from the parent/guardian. Notes/emails must be received by 11:00 a.m. 

Returning From an Absence:

A parent/guardian is required to put the absence reason into ParentVue following an absence.

  • Students check in with the Attendance Office with a note and get an admit slip
  • State-approved absences will be excused within the 72-hour window of the date of the absence
  • Doctor's notes may be required for excessive absences due to illness and for 3 days or more
  • Unexcused absences are considered truancy
  • Absences can also cause a student to fail a class and be referred to the BECCA Bill

Excused or Unexcused Absences:

Guardians are asked to call or email the Attendance Office in the morning if their child will not be attending school that day.  Alternatively, guardians can input the absence into the Synergy ParentVue app or website. 

Excused absences are defined as: illness, family emergencies, bereavement, professional appointments, participation in authorized school related activities, and opportunities of extraordinary educational value outside of school.

Extraordinary circumstances causing a student to be absent may be subject to administrative review.

Excessive absences will lead to guardian contact, counseling and referral to administration.  If a student is not demonstrating "on track attendance" (90%=), a doctor's note may be required for absences to be excused.  Absences can also cause a student to fail a class and be referred to the truancy board.

Please be aware of the following district-approved excused and unexcused reasons to be absent or tardy:

EXCUSED UNEXCUSED
Sick/Injury/Health Overslept
Family Emergency Parent running behind
Doctor/Dental appointment Missed the bus
Religious observation Car trouble/traffic
Suspension Late night/activity
Bereavement No parent notification
School authorized activity Family vacation
Court/legal appointment Student drop-off line was too long
Personal reasons* Late ride or no ride

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Excessive "personal" absences will be subject to review with a counselor or adminstrator.