Attendance Policy and Procedures

School Attendance Policy

In accordance with the Hawaii State Compulsory School Attendance Law, students must attend school daily and be in class on time. Unexcused and/or excessive absences and tardies negatively impact a child’s educational experience.

Absences and tardies, whether excused or unexcused, prevent maximum learning from taking place. It is the school’s responsibility and authority to investigate and take appropriate action for non-attendance and tardies. 

Automated Attendance System

To keep parents and guardians informed of their child’s school attendance, a pre-recorded telephone message will automatically be made to parents and guardians who have children that are ABSENT or TARDY on a daily basis.

Parents and guardians will still receive the automated call even if they have called in an absence or tardy and/or have submitted a written notice to the office.

Students who have persistent school attendance issues (absences and tardiness) are monitored by the teacher, counselor and administration. Monitoring is to ensure that the focus remains on improving student attendance. The school also looks for ways to support students and families so that their child can attend school regularly.

Number of School Days Absent or Tardy (Excused and/or Unexcused) Possible School Actions

At 3 consecutive absences:

• • Homeroom teacher to contact parents/guardians, and inform grade level counselor for support

At 5 absences:

• • Teacher sends Attendance Letter #1 home via the student

At 10 absences:

• • Counselor sends Attendance Letter #2 home via USPS mail with copy provided to Student Services Coordinator (SSC)

  • Counselor will schedule meeting with parent/guardian and homeroom teacher to discuss attendance concerns. If parent is unable to attend a meeting, counselor will attempt to share attendance concerns by telephone.

At 15 absences:

• • Teacher to complete CSSS/RTI Data Collection Attendance Referral Form

  • Once the SSC receives the RTI Referral Form, a meeting is scheduled with parents/guardians

  • Attendance Letter #3, signed by the Principal, will be sent home via USPS mail  

  • If unable to contact parents by telephone, counselor, public health nurse and/or school social worker to conduct home visit to discuss issues that may be preventing student from attending school regularly.