Wakefield High School Attendance Office

Regular attendance is essential to student success. Virginia law requires students of compulsory school age to attend school regularly, and parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that their student attends school regularly and on time. At Wakefield High School, we monitor attendance closely and work with students and families to identify and remove barriers that may be affecting attendance. If your student is having difficulty attending school regularly, please reach out to us. We are here to help.

Quick Attendance Guide

Reporting Absences

For All-Day Absences, Families may report an absence through:

• ParentVUE website
• ParentVUE mobile app
• Email: [email protected]

When reporting an absence, please include the following information:

• Student legal name and ID (if known)
• Grade
• Date of Absence
• Parent/Guardian Name and Contact
• Specific Reason for the Absence
• When an absence is initially submitted through ParentVUE, it may appear as “Unverified” until the absence is approved.

Two-Business-Day Requirement

Parents/guardians have two business days after the student’s return to school to provide documentation or notify the Attendance Office of an absence, update, or correction.

Requests submitted outside this timeframe may require administrative approval.

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

Use the chart below as a quick reference.

Further information on Illness or Injury:  https://www.apsva.us/health-safety/illness/

After three or more consecutive days of absences due to sickness, a doctor’s note is required. A written explanation by email or through ParentVUE from a parent/guardian, or verified contact from a parent/guardian, is required for each absence within two business days of the student’s return. Additional documentation may be requested when appropriate.

Prearranged & Extended Absences

If your student will be absent for an extended period, please submit the request in advance. You may also submit the request in writing to the Dean of Students and copy the Attendance Office.

Please note:

• Prearranged or extended absences may not exceed 15 consecutive school days.
• A student absent for 15 consecutive school days will be withdrawn from school.
• The student will need to register again upon returning to school.
• Families should contact the school before an extended absence whenever possible.

Medical & Mental Health Needs

We understand that significant medical or mental health concerns may affect a student’s ability to attend school regularly.

If your student is receiving treatment or has a medical or mental health need affecting attendance, please contact the Director of Counseling or your student’s Counselor. Wakefield will work collaboratively with students and families to develop appropriate supports and an attendance plan aligned with the student’s treatment and educational needs.

If your child is struggling to attend school, please reach out early. Asking for help is an important first step.

Attendance Notifications

Wakefield uses an automated attendance notification system to notify families when a student is recorded absent without an approved excuse from one or more classes. Received an Attendance Call?

If you receive an automated attendance notification and believe your student was present, please follow up rather than assuming the call was an error.

Check the following:

1. Review your student’s attendance record.
2. Contact the Attendance Office regarding the recorded absence.
3. Have your student speak directly with the teacher if the concern involves a specific class period.
4. Ask an administrator for assistance if the issue cannot be resolved.

Attendance Errors & Discrepancies

The Attendance Office cannot change or update attendance submitted by a teacher or substitute without appropriate verification/consent.

Students should speak directly with their teachers or an administrator when they believe attendance was recorded incorrectly.

Late Arrivals & Tardies

Students are expected to be in their classes and ready to learn by 8:20 a.m. Students are also expected to arrive on time for every instructional period.

An excused tardy may require supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s or dentist’s note.

Continued or excessive tardiness may result in additional attendance supports, conferences, or consequences.

Families can help by establishing consistent morning routines and ensuring students get adequate, restful sleep.

Early Departures

Students must sign out through the Attendance Office before leaving the building.

• ID: Person picking up the student must provide ID
• Advance Notice: Notify the Attendance Office if a friend/family member will pick up the student
• Written Permission: Required; students cannot be dismissed by telephone request alone
• Required Information: Student name, student ID, reason, departure time, parent/guardian name and phone number

Please allow sufficient time for the student to be located and dismissed.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for:

• Attending school every day.
• Arriving at school and each class on time.
• Communicating with teachers when they believe attendance has been recorded incorrectly.
• Obtaining and completing assignments missed due to an absence.
• Following attendance procedures when arriving late or leaving early.
• Completing assigned Flexible Instructional Time when required.
• Working with school staff when attendance concerns arise.

How Families Can Support Good Attendance

Families can help students develop strong attendance habits by:

• Establishing consistent morning and bedtime routines.
• Scheduling appointments outside of the school day whenever possible.
• Planning family travel around the school calendar.
• Reporting absences promptly.
• Providing specific information about the reason for an absence.
• Providing required documentation within two business days.
• Contacting the school early if attendance becomes difficult.
• Communicating with the school about medical, mental health, transportation, family, or other barriers affecting attendance.

Early communication allows us to work together before a pattern becomes a larger concern.

Need Help With Attendance?

If your student is struggling with attendance, please reach out. We want to partner with families to help students be present, on time, and ready to learn.

Please review the School Calendar when planning appointments, travel, and other activities.

For additional Arlington Public Schools attendance information, visit the APS Attendance page.

For instructions on reporting absences through ParentVUE, see the APS ParentVUE Absence Reporting Guide.

Contact Information