When possible please submit all requests with our online Attendence/Late Arrival and Early Dismissal forms.

Absences, Late Arrival, and Early Checkout

Prearranged Absence

When a parent or guardian knows ahead of time that a student will miss a day of school, he/she must make a written request for a prearranged absence. This should be done at least two school days in advance.  The parent/guardian should state the reason for the absence and the exact dates of the absence.  The best way to submit the request is to use the online Absence\Late Arrival form.

Extended Absence

We realize that sometimes a family will need to take an extended absence during the school year. In these cases, parents should work with the classroom teacher to develop a plan for instruction during the absence and for make-up work. Please realize it is impossible for a teacher to produce all the assignments a student may miss during the time away or to replicate the essential instruction that they will not be able to receive.

Absence due to Illness/Unforeseen Circumstance

In the case of absence due to illness or late arrival due to unforeseen circumstances, the Absence\Late Arrival form should be submitted by 9:30 a.m.  The best way to communicate a last minute absence to the Main Office is to use the Absence\Late Arrival form.  

Late Arrival

Please make every effort to arrive in school by 9:15 a.m.  Students are late if not in the classroom by 9:20 a.m.  In the case of absence due to illness or late arrival due to unforeseen circumstances, the Absence\Late Arrival form should be submitted by 9:30 a.m. 

If arriving after 9:20 a.m. you will need to park and walk your child to the front door and ring the buzzer to check in with the office. Please DO NOT drop your child off and leave.

Absence Late Arrival Notices

FCPS generates and sends automated absence call/email alerts daily. Upon receiving alerts, parents must submit the Absence\Late Arrival form promptly to avoid further notices.

Students who are repeatedly late in a school year will have a letter placed in their school file. If the student continues to be late a meeting with the principal, counselor, student, and parent will be held to discuss the situation.

Early Checkout

Please do not check out your students early if possible. If you must check out your student, submit Early Dismissal Form as soon as possible preferably prior to the day of the dismissal, but not after 10 a.m. the day of the dismissal  Please do not come to school without submitting the form first.  Students will only be released to parents/guardians and authorized emergency contacts who must show ID. Latest Checkout is 3:30 p.m.

Dental and Medical

Dental and medical appointments are excused absences; however, we ask that such appointments be kept to a minimum during the instructional day. If a child must leave early for a medical or dental appointment, parents should submit the Early Dismissal Form in advance and must sign the child out in the office at the appropriate time. To protect instructional time, students will not be called to the office until a parent arrives at school to pick them up. Please allow sufficient time for your child to get to the office in order for you to arrive on time to your scheduled appointment.

Release of Student

We will not release any child to any adult other than the parent/guardian or persons listed on the Emergency Care Form. Students may be released to either parent unless prohibited by a court order. If restricted custody has been legally established, a parent must furnish a copy of the custody order to be kept on file in the school office.

Transportation Changes

Please visit our Transportation Information Page.

Virginia State Law

Virginia State law requires that each student who is absent from school must be reported each time by a responsible person. An excused absence is one for which parents/guardians have prior knowledge, consent, and a legitimate reason. Legitimate reasons include: illness of the student, death in the family, and observance of a religious holiday. Absences for family and student vacations are unexcused.

According to state law, the following actions need to be taken: 

• 5 Unexcused days - parent notification via letter and plan required
• 6 Unexcused days - (one additional day) - conference required
• 7 Unexcused days - attendance officer involved, possible court action

Weekly attendance calls will be made to parents whose students have accrued five or more unexcused absences, requesting that parents contact the school to develop an attendance plan. 

Unexcused Absence

Absences for family and student vacations are unexcused. Students are responsible for completing any missed assignments. Teachers will provide the student and parent or guardian with missed work, but are not obligated to provide assignments prior to family or student vacations.