Q. Why is regular and on-time attendance important to your child's success in school?

Our Philosophy:    

     Much of the teaching starts at the beginning of the day, and even a five minute tardy can disrupt the student's learning as well as the rest of the class' learning. Students who are in class everyday become more familiar with the information that is being taught. Regular attendance is important for students to reach their full academic potential. Listening to the teacher and hearing classmates discuss ideas every day helps your child learn because the brain absorbs information best through repetition and interaction. Repeated absences can cause not only academic struggles but also social isolation from peers. Absences can also affect the child's progress and performance on tests and assessments.  In addition, it is imperative that regular attendance be expected in elementary school because patterns that are set in school also carry into older grades and eventually into the workplace.  It is the responsibility of the child's parent or guardian to ensure the child attends school on time every day.

     We realize that students are sometimes ill, and we certainly do not want them sent to school in such cases.  Please contact the school office to let us know that your child will not attend that day.  If your child has a chronic health condition that will impact school attendance, please contact let us know so that we may discuss your particular situation.

Q. What is the "Becca Bill" and how might it affect me?

    The short answer is this:  The bill, which is now law, is designed ensure that all students of school age attend school regularly and on time.  Every child in our state has the right to a free public education.  It is the responsibility of the child's parent(s) or guardian to ensure the child attends school regularly and on time.  If a child accrues absences or tardiness, or combination of each, beyond what is allowed it may result in the school's right and responsibility to initiate the Becca Bill.  Of course, there are instances where a child is genuinely ill or involved with a health crisis.  The information below explains our protocol in those instances.

New Protocol for Excused/ Health Related Absences.

    In conjunction with the school nurse, in-building BECCA coordinator and the office staff, Cedar Way Elementary (CWE) School has adopted the following protocol for excused/health related absences.

     If a student develops a persistent pattern of unexcused absences across multiple days or sporadically across weeks and months CWE will request a signed doctor’s note providing the following information:  

• Diagnosis or illness/condition preventing student from attending school
• Date seen in the office
• Anticipated prognosis including the date of return to school
• Signature from doctor

• Signature from parent attesting to doctors statement as the student is a minor

     The school has the right to not excuse patterns of absences (even with parent notes) perceived as excessive and inhibiting a students’ access to their academics and at such times will contact the family and request written doctor’s note/statement.  If parents do not provide doctor notes, or if the doctor note does not provide the above information, the absences will be coded as “unexcused”, and be subject to the same Becca polices and procedures as other unexcused absences.